No fewer than four people, including three farmers and a herder, were reportedly killed in a string of attacks in separate communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau state.
The latest attack happened three days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited the state following an attack on Anguwan Rukuba community in Jos North LGA, where 28 people were killed.
He had vowed that such attacks and killings would not happen again.
The leadership of Berom Youth Moulders Association and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), confirmed that the farmers were killed Sunday night in Pwomol village, Heipang District of Barkin Ladi LGA, while the herder was killed Monday morning in Jol community of Riyom LGA.
Both Berom and Fulani groups accused each other of killing their members.
Rwang Tengwong, BYM spokesperson, narrated that the attack targeted vigilante youths keeping watch over the village, adding that one other person sustained injuries and is receiving treatment in hospital.
Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, National President of BYM, condemned the attack and called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation.
“BYM commended the swift intervention of the Special Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, and urged residents of the area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.”
“The Berom Youth Moulders-Association remains committed to the protection of lives and the pursuit of justice for victims of violent attacks across Berom land and beyond,” the group stated.
Recounting the death of their member, the state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed that “the deceased was ambushed alongside his younger brother, but the young man escaped. They gunned him down. They were heading to a nearby community when suddenly they were attacked.
“I personally reported the incident to DSS and the commander of Operation Safe Haven. We recovered the body from Sector 6, Makera, Riyom LGA,” the chairman added.
Tengwong, while denying the accusations against them, said, “I cannot confirm that, because we are not aware of any attack against the Fulani, except if those who were injured died later because they left with casualties.”
Babayo, on their part, also denied the allegation of the attack on a Berom community, saying, “We don’t know who attacked them because our people wouldn’t go and attack other people.”
The spokesperson of Operation Enduring Peace, Capt. Polycap Oteh, when contacted about the development, said he would revert to our correspondent after getting clarification on the incidents, but had not responded as at press time.
Daily Trust reports that last Wednesday four persons including two farmers and two herders were killed in Ban, Gero, and Du’a communities of Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs.
Last Friday night, three farmers were also killed while one other was injured in Nyamgo Gyel, a community in Jos South.