At least ten people have been killed and several cattle rustled in renewed violence in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The surge in violence is linked to farm destruction, cattle rustling, and retaliatory attacks between Fulani and Berom communities.
According to Operation Safe Haven, the unrest began on Monday, May 12, 2025, when youths allegedly slaughtered and rustled cattle that had wandered onto farmland in Dayan village, Riyom.
In retaliation, suspected Fulani herders attacked Danchindo village on Tuesday evening, killing four people before fleeing as security forces arrived.
By Wednesday, May 14, 26 cows were reportedly killed and others injured in Darwat, in apparent reprisal. That same day, Fulani militias allegedly struck an isolated settlement near Wereng Kam, killing six.
Upon receiving reports of the violence, the Joint Security Task Force engaged with community leaders to encourage peace and caution against further reprisals.
One suspect has been arrested over cattle rustling, and 130 cows were recovered and returned to owners.
The military said its swift intervention prevented Wereng village from being razed. A mop-up operation is ongoing to apprehend fleeing assailants.
Major General Folusho Oyinlola, commander of Operation Safe Haven and GOC 3 Division, visited affected areas and held meetings with local leaders. Security presence has since been increased to maintain calm.
The Riyom incident follows the abduction of five traders during a bandit attack at Dogon Ruwa market in Wase LGA, four days earlier.
Eyewitnesses said armed men on motorcycles invaded the market during peak trading, firing shots and causing panic as people fled.
Plateau State has witnessed numerous attacks in recent months, with hundreds killed and many displaced.
Governor Caleb Muftwang described the recent killings as genocidal and accused perpetrators of attempting to seize ancestral land.
