Fresh violence has erupted in Plateau State as armed bandits, suspected to be Fulani militias, launched a deadly attack on Rachi community in Bachi District, Riyom Local Government Area, killing two persons and injuring five others.
The attack, which occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, threw the quiet agrarian community into panic as residents fled for safety amid sporadic gunfire.
National President of the Berom Youths Moulder Association (BYM), Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Jos. He said one of the victims was identified as Dalyop Dangyang, a local youth leader known for his role in mobilising young people to form vigilante groups to safeguard the community.
Mwantiri disclosed that eyewitnesses described the assailants as heavily armed herders who reportedly coordinated the assault through newly formed militia networks operating within parts of the state.
“This attack is part of a renewed wave of coordinated violence in Riyom and neighbouring local government areas. Government must act decisively to protect our communities and restore lasting peace,” Mwantiri said.
He lamented that despite repeated security alerts and government assurances, the cycle of killings and reprisals continues to destabilise rural communities.
According to him, the latest attack follows a similar incident just four days earlier, when six residents of Kwi community in the same local government area were killed in another night raid by suspected militants.
“That incident, which occurred around 9:50 p.m. on Saturday, came hours after a farmer, identified as Mr. Kurang Daniel, was shot dead while harvesting maize at about 4:00 p.m.,” Mwantiri stated.
He added that the gunmen, who arrived on motorcycles, were believed to have come from Fass, a neighbouring settlement.
The BYM President further alleged that some armed groups have attempted to justify their actions by spreading false claims to security agencies that natives attacked their cattle—claims which, according to him, have not been substantiated.
He called on security operatives to intensify patrols, arrest perpetrators, and prevent further bloodshed in the troubled region.
