By Muhammad Tanko
At least 27 people were killed and many others injured when gunmen launched a late-night attack on the Jebu-Rahoss community in the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday.
The Local Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Riyom District, Mr Haggai Gankis, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, stating that the attackers stormed the community around 9:00 p.m., shooting indiscriminately and using machetes on residents.
“Twenty-seven innocent people were shot or hacked to death—mostly women. Many others are currently hospitalized with gunshot and machete wounds. We suspected Fulani herdsmen to be behind the attack,” Gankis said.
He added that the bodies of the deceased have been taken to the mortuary, with plans underway for a mass burial.
“We are planning a state burial to honour the victims,” he said.
Confirming the attack, Chairman of Riyom Local Government Council, Hon. Bature Sati Shuwa, said he was aware of the incident but could not confirm the exact casualty figure as of the time of filling this report.
In response, the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) denied any involvement in the killings.
Describing the allegations as unfounded, MACBAN Chairman Alhaji Ibrahim Babayo said, “We condemn any form of criminality regardless of who the victims are. However, linking our members to the attack is baseless and unfair.”
He called on law enforcement agencies to investigate thoroughly and cautioned against wrong judgment without concrete evidence.
“People should refrain from attributing blame without facts. Our association has no knowledge of the attack,” Babayo stated.
Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has called for calm amongst the people of the State.
He said in a statement by the Commissioner of information, Joyce Ramnap, that the State Government is deeply saddened by the unfortunate attack on Bidi (Jebu) community of Tahoss village in Riyom Local Government Area, which led to the loss of lives and properties .
“This senseless act of violence by yet to be identified gunmen is strongly condemned and unacceptable.
“Government sympathizes with the families of the victims and all those affected by this tragic incident,” she said.
The commissioner added that Governor Mutfwang has directed security agencies to intensify surveillance and bring the perpetrators to justice through additional deployment of troops.
“Government is appealing to the people of Bidi, Sopp, and surrounding communities to remain calm, be vigilant, avoid any form of retaliation, report any suspicious activities to authorities and cooperate with security agencies,” she said.
