10 People Killed, Cows Rustled, Farmlands Destroyed In New Plateau Attack

At least 10 people have been killed and several cows rustled in a fresh outbreak of violence in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The renewed crisis is linked to a mix of cattle theft, farm destruction, and attacks on livestock, reportedly involving members of both the Fulani and Berom communities.

According to Operation Safe Haven, the tension started on Monday, May 12, 2025, when some youths in Dayan village allegedly killed and took away cattle that had wandered onto their farmland.

In response, suspected Fulani herders launched an attack on Danchindo village on Tuesday evening, May 13, killing four people before fleeing the scene.

The violence continued the next day, May 14, when 26 cows were reportedly killed and several others injured in Darwat community—believed to be a revenge attack for the earlier killings.

That same evening, suspected Fulani militias struck again, attacking a remote settlement near the Wereng Kam community and killing six people.

As tensions rose, security forces engaged with local leaders in an effort to de-escalate the situation and prevent further violence.

Authorities confirmed that one suspect had been arrested over the cattle theft, and 130 stolen cows were recovered and returned to their owners.

The military said their timely intervention stopped the attackers from burning down Wereng village entirely.

A follow-up operation is ongoing to track down the assailants, while troops maintain a heavy presence to keep things under control.

Major General Folusho Oyinlola, commander of Operation Safe Haven and General Officer Commanding 3 Division, visited the affected communities to meet with local leaders.

Security officials say peace has been restored for now.

This incident in Riyom happened just days after five traders from Dogon Ruwa community in Wase LGA in Plateau were kidnapped during a market raid by bandits.