The Fulani community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State has alleged the killing of some of their cows in an attack purportedly carried out by local Berom militia gangs.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Secretary, Abdullahi Yusuf, the Fulani community stated that the attack occurred on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, when the militias attacked one Shuaibu Woje, a resident of Mahanga Community in Jol Ward and slaughtered some of his cattle, as well as attacking other herders who were working for him.
Yusuf added that during the attack, the assailants drove the cattle into a restricted and inaccessible area around Tanjol Community before carrying out the attacks.
“The Fulani Community in Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, wishes to express deep concern over an incident involving 44 cattle belonging to Mr. Shuaibu Woje of Mahanga Community, which were reportedly driven into a restricted and inaccessible area around Tanjol Community, Jol Ward, on Wednesday, 11th November 2026,” Yusuf wrote.
Continuing, he said:
“According to information received, suspected Berom militia members allegedly began shooting at the cattle at approximately 4:00 p.m. in an area known as Akawu, close to Tanjol Community.
“The incident was immediately reported to the Joint Task Force, JTF, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, DSS. However, despite efforts to secure the release of the cattle on Wednesday, the initial rescue efforts were unsuccessful.
“Fortunately, following further intervention on Thursday morning, 12th November 2026, some of the cattle were successfully rescued through the assistance of personnel from the Mobile Police Station in Jol and Operation Enduring Peace operatives stationed at Dakun.
“BREAKDOWN OF THE 44 CATTLE
The current report indicates the following:
1. 6 cattle were reportedly shot dead
2. 3 cattle were slaughtered
3. 8 cattle sustained injuries
4. 10 cattle remain missing
5. 17 cattle were successfully rescued unharmed
“This incident represents a serious economic loss to the owner and raises further concerns about the safety of livestock and herders in Riyom Local Government Area.
“In view of this unfortunate incident, the Fulani Community in Riyom LGA respectfully calls on the relevant authorities to take the following actions:
1. Immediate Investigation: We call on the GOC, 3 Division Nigerian Army, Operation Enduring Peace, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State, and the DSS to launch a comprehensive investigation into the incident and establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
2. Recovery of Missing Cattle: We appeal to the security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and recover the remaining 10 missing cattle and establish the whereabouts of those responsible for moving them into the area.
3. Arrest and Prosecution: Anyone found to have participated in shooting, killing, or unlawfully taking the cattle should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law, irrespective of ethnic, religious or social background.
4. Compensation: We call on the Plateau State Government and relevant authorities to investigate the losses and ensure appropriate compensation for the owner of the affected cattle.
5. Strengthened Security Presence: We request increased security patrols and surveillance around Tanjol, Mahanga and other vulnerable communities in Jol Ward to prevent further incidents.
6. Protection Without Discrimination: We urge security agencies to guarantee equal protection for every resident, farmer, herder and community in Riyom LGA, irrespective of ethnicity or religion.
7. Public Accountability: We appeal to the authorities to provide an official update on the investigation and recovery efforts so that affected residents can have confidence in the security response.
8. Call Against Retaliation: We urge members of the Fulani community and other residents to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate security agencies.
“We believe that lasting peace cannot be achieved through silence in the face of injustice. It can only be achieved through fairness, accountability, justice and equal protection of all citizens.”