At least 27 farmers, including men and women, have been reportedly killed in a fresh attack by suspected gunmen in Bindi-Jebbu, a settlement in the Tahoss community of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Local sources said the attack occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, leaving several others injured. Victims were rushed to health facilities, including the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Specialist Hospital, for treatment.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Riyom LGA, Hon. Bature Sati Shuwa, told reporters he was en route to the affected community and could not yet confirm the casualty figures. As of press time, both Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and the Plateau State Police Command had yet to release official statements.
Efforts to reach the spokespersons of OPSH, Major Samson Zhakom, and the police command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful as they had not responded to inquiries from our correspondent.
However, the National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Dalyop Solomon, confirmed the attack and fatalities. Speaking to PUNCH Metro in Jos on Tuesday, he said:
“Twenty-seven persons were killed and many others sustained injuries. The gunmen, suspected to be Fulani militia, stormed the village shooting sporadically and burning down houses. We have conveyed the corpses to various hospitals ahead of their burial.”
Solomon noted that a burial date would be announced after consultations with affected families.
In a statement jointly signed by BYM Secretary General, Bature Iliya Adazaram, and President Dalyop Solomon later on Tuesday, the youth group condemned the killings, attributing the assault to suspected armed Fulani groups from Bangai-Fulani, Ganawuri, and surrounding areas.
According to the statement, the attack occurred between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. and was allegedly carried out with the knowledge and passive complicity of certain security personnel.
“What happened in Jebbu this morning is yet another crime against humanity, deliberately executed under the watch of some compromised security agents,” the statement read. “While we commend the Unit Commander of Operation Safe Haven stationed at Sopp for his gallantry in repelling attackers from one axis, we are gravely disappointed by the OPSH reinforcement team that arrived but stationed themselves on the roadside, allowing the killings to continue up until 6:00 a.m.”
The incident has renewed widespread concern about the deteriorating security situation in Plateau State, where repeated attacks on rural communities have led to loss of lives and displacement.
Just last week, the Plateau State Government announced the recruitment of 150 agro-rangers as part of renewed efforts to safeguard rural areas and tackle insecurity.
As the community mourns its dead, residents and advocacy groups continue to call on federal and state authorities to intensify protection efforts and bring perpetrators to justice.
