By BANNERNEWS Reporter
The Nigerian Army’s Operation Enduring Peace (OEP) has confirmed the killing of two teenage herders and three cattle in a fresh attack in Plateau State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday around Jol village in Riyom Local Government Area, where suspected assailants attacked the victims while they were grazing cattle.
OEP spokesperson, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, said the command had been informed of the incident and had deployed troops to the area. He added that investigations were underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.
“We will investigate and find those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) is not happy about what is happening and will do everything possible to ensure peace in Plateau despite the efforts of bad elements bent on creating confusion,” he said, warning criminal elements to stay away from the state.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) alleged that members of the Berom community were behind the attack. However, the Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, denied the allegation, stating that the group was unaware of any such incident.
Chairman of MACBAN in the state said the victims were killed while grazing, adding that three cattle were also shot dead during the attack. He described the incident as unprovoked.
According to him, the latest attack came less than 48 hours after another incident along the Dorowa–Jong road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where three herders were reportedly killed.
He identified the victims in the Riyom attack as Muhammad Sani and Furuk Bilyaminu, alleging that they were buried in shallow graves. He said one body had been recovered with the help of security agencies, while efforts were ongoing to locate the second.
MACBAN said it had reported the matter to security authorities, including the DSS, police and Operation Enduring Peace, and urged its members to remain calm and law-abiding while investigations continue.
The fresh violence highlights persistent security challenges in parts of Plateau State, despite ongoing peace efforts by security agencies and community stakeholders.
