Gunmen Kill 27 Farmers in Fresh Plateau Attack

At least 27 farmers, including both men and women, were killed during a violent attack by armed men in the Bindi-Jebbu area of Tahoss community, located in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. The assault, which took place on Monday, left several others wounded.

Many of the injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, including the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Hospital, for treatment.

The Chairman of Riyom LGA, Bature Sati Shuwa, confirmed the attack had occurred but noted he could not give a specific number of casualties at the time, as he was still on his way to the scene. Meanwhile, security outfits like Operation Safe Haven and the Plateau State Police Command had yet to issue formal statements. Spokespersons Major Samson Zhakom and DSP Alabo Alfred had not responded to messages seeking comment as of press time.

National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Dalyop Solomon, confirmed the deaths in a statement on Tuesday. According to him, the attackers—believed to be Fulani gunmen—stormed the community in the early hours, firing shots and burning homes. He stated that all 27 victims had been taken to various morgues, with burial arrangements to be announced later.

In a joint statement later on Tuesday, BYM leaders Solomon and Bature Iliya Adazaram condemned the killings and alleged that Fulani groups from Bangai-Fulani, Ganawuri, and surrounding areas were responsible. The attack reportedly occurred between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., and the youth group accused some security personnel of failing to act despite being informed in advance of the looming threat.

They praised one unit of Operation Safe Haven stationed at Sopp for resisting the attackers from one direction but criticized the reinforcement team for allegedly standing idle while the killings continued up to 6:00 a.m.

The incident has reignited public outcry over the worsening security situation in Plateau, where similar attacks have plagued rural communities. Just last week, the state government recruited 150 new agro-rangers in a bid to strengthen local security. However, critics argue that more urgent and coordinated responses are needed to protect vulnerable areas.