By Sunday Apah
A violent assault in Bindi-Jebbu, located within the Tahoss community of Riyom Local Government Area in Plateau State, has resulted in the deaths of at least 27 farmers, including both men and women.
Residents reported that the attack took place on Monday and left numerous individuals wounded, with some victims hurriedly transported to medical facilities such as Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Hospital for treatment.
The chairman of Riyom Local Government Area, Bature Sati Shuwa, confirmed the incident but was unable to provide an exact casualty count at the time of reporting, explaining that he was en route to the affected community.
Security agencies, including Operation Safe Haven and the Plateau State Police Command, have yet to release official statements regarding the incident. Representatives from these agencies, Major Samson Zhakom and DSP Alabo Alfred, did not respond to messages sent by our correspondent as of press time.
Dalyop Solomon, the National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, verified the killings during a statement in Jos on Tuesday.
He indicated that the assailants, believed to be members of the Fulani ethnic group, attacked the community with gunfire and set several homes ablaze.
“Twenty-seven individuals lost their lives, and many others were injured. We have transported the deceased to various hospitals for post-mortem and are preparing for their burial,” Solomon stated.
He also mentioned that all the bodies had been deposited at local morgues, and a date for their funeral would be announced in due course.
This recent attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in Plateau State, where numerous communities have been targeted by armed groups recently.
The incident has provoked widespread concern and outrage, with calls for enhanced security measures to safeguard the lives and property of residents. The Plateau State Government has yet to issue a formal response.
