27 Farmers Killed In Plateau, Many Houses Burnt

Yakubu Busari

The Executive Chairman of Riyom Local Government Council of Plateau State, Hon.Sati Shuwa Bature, has confirmed the killings of 27 farmers in Jebu, Tahos communities, as several houses were torched.

He condemned the massacre of over 21 people, with several houses burned in Jebu, Tahos community of  Riyom LGA, following a deadly attack by suspected assailants in the middle of the night.

Hon.Bature stated that multiple sources in the community told our correspondent that the gunmen stormed the locality and started shooting sporadically late Monday night.

He disclosed that some persons who sustained injuries are receiving treatment in Vom and a private hospital.

The Chairman revealed that gunmen stormed the communities, shooting sporadically, overpowering the convention security to wreak havoc at about 11 pm, creating pandemonium, sacking the entire communities.

He stated that the attacks in Riyom Local Government Area, particularly in Tahoss, demonstrated a high level of coordination, suggesting a degree of planning and organization among the perpetrators.

Bature stressed that the members of the community were asleep when the gunmen arrived in a commando style and started shooting at anything in sight.

Farmers were shot dead, houses burnt as he stated that the gunmen had attacked Bindi-Jebbu of Tahoss community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau, killing no fewer than 27 farmers.

The Chairman confirmed that many people who sustained various degrees of injuries in the attack have been rushed to hospitals in Jos University Teaching Hospital, other health care facilities within the state.

The National President of Berom Youth Moulder Association, BYM, Mr Dalyop Solomon, confirmed the incident to the media.

According to him, the gunmen stormed the community at about 4:30 am on Monday, shooting sporadically and setting several houses on fire.

He explained further that 27 people were reportedly killed and several houses torched, including several injured. We have taken the bodies to different hospitals before the announcement.

Meanwhile, the state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Babayo has refuted that the attack was linked to Fulani, describing the allegations as unfounded.

He also condemns any act of criminality, irrespective of who the victim is. He stressed that the allegation by the Berom is not true, so no attack was carried not by his members and fishes out the perpetrators and brings a conclusion.

Security agencies, including Operation Safe Haven and the State police command, have yet to issue any statement on the situation.

However, the spokesman of Operation Safe Haven and the state police command, Major Samson Zhakom and DSP Alfred Labor, as messages were sent to them without official response.