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Berom militia kill another Fulani herder in Riyom, as community vow to attack soldiers for arresting 2 suspects
Berom militia kill another Fulani herder in Riyom, as community vow to attack soldiers for arresting 2 suspects
By: Zagazola Makama
A Fulani herder has been brutally killed in another round of unprovoked attack by Berom militia in Makera area of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident, which occurred at about 11:55 a.m. on April 26, also left six cattle dead and about 20 others with gunshot wounds.
The attacks occurred two days after two local hunters were killed and another injured in an attack by suspected armed Fulani bandits in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, which was carried out in retaliation to an earlier attack by the Berom militia on Fulani herders and the rustling of 84 cattle in the same area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE responded swiftly to the distress call and deployed to the scene.
“On arrival, troops discovered that one herder had been killed, six cattle were shot dead, while several others sustained gunshot injuries.
“Troops advanced and sighted five suspects fleeing towards Golhoss community. They pursued the suspects and successfully arrested two, while others escaped,” the sources said.
According to the sources, the corpse of the herder was recovered and handed over to the Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
They added that tension rose shortly after the arrest when women and youths from the community mobilised in large numbers and blocked the road in an attempt to attack soldiers and prevent the troops from taking away the suspects.
“The women and youths tried to obstruct the troops and stop the movement of the arrested suspects. However, the situation was later brought under control following the intervention of the youth leader and other peace-loving members of the community, who ensured the road was cleared,” the sources said.
The sources noted that the arrested suspects are currently in military custody for further investigation, while normalcy has been restored in the area under close military monitoring.
In a related development, another attack was recorded at about 4:00 p.m. the same day at Gero community in Jos South LGA, where suspected Berom militia attacked cattle, killing one cow and injuring three others with gunshot wounds.
Security sources warned that the prevailing situation in Riyom and Jos South LGAs retains the potential to trigger reprisals, given past incidents in the area, adding that troops have since dominated the affected communities and are engaging stakeholders to prevent escalation.
Further checks by Zagazola indicate that the latest incident is part of a growing pattern of attacks on Fulani pastoralists and their livestock in parts of Plateau State.
The attacks, however, followed a series of initial pledges by Barrister Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, the National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), who vowed to attack any Fulani grazing in any part of the Berom community.
Mr Mwantiri, in a widely circulated video, said that they (Berom youth) cannot guarantee peace and safety on the Plateau if Fulani continue grazing on their land. The warning followed the initial killing of seven persons in Dorowa Babuje village on Feb. 22, after gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits opened fire on residents at a local relaxation spot.
Since then, every Fulani who comes to cross over into the community has been attacked. In most cases, cattle are rustled and the attackers, with support from community members and traditional rulers, sell off the stolen livestock through their networks in other states.
The back-to-back incidents reflect an entrenched pattern of attacks and reprisals involving Fulani and Berom local militia groups across parts of Plateau State.
At about 5:00 p.m. on April 23, troops of Sector 6 responded to a report of provocative grazing around Tahoos community in Riyom LGA. On arrival, the troops intercepted 34 cattle grazing without a herder within the community. The livestock were moved to the troops’ location for necessary action. Sources noted that the absence of a herder raised suspicions, with concerns that the owner may have either fled or been attacked.
In a related development, troops deployed at Ganawuri also responded at about 11:30 a.m. the same day to a report of destruction of cabbage farms belonging to two residents, Mr Haruna Badung and Mr Elisha Musa, in Bindi community of Riyom LGA.
Similarly, in Mangu Local Government Area, troops of Sector 8 responded at about 12:30 p.m. to a report of injuries to a local resident, Mrs Gift Zaphania, in a confrontation with a Fulani herder while fetching water at a stream in Maijankai village. The victim was found with injuries and was evacuated to a nearby clinic for medical attention. The herder reportedly fled on sighting troops, abandoning 29 cattle, which were taken into custody pending further action.
On April 22, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested three Berom militia members and recovered 84 rustled cattle following an attack on a pastoralist in Riyom LGA. The troops, deployed at Dokku, responded to a report of cattle rustling behind Makera market and tracked the animals to a riverine area, where they were recovered and returned to the owner.
On April 21, 2026, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE neutralised two suspected armed Fulani bandits and recovered weapons around the Marit general area of Doruwa Babuje in parts of Plateau State, preventing potential attacks.
On April 20, 2026, troops under Sector 6 responded to an isolated attack on two civilians in Sabon Gida village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State by Berom militia. On arrival, the troops discovered the corpse of one of the victims bearing machete injuries, while the second victim was reported to have escaped during the attack.
On April 19, a revenge attack was carried out as a 32-year-old man, identified as Mr Gideon Luka from Mangu but resident in Sabon Gida, was killed by Fulani attackers in an isolated attack along Sabon Gida axis in Gyel District of Plateau State.
On April 19, security operatives in Nasarawa State intercepted 11 cattle allegedly rustled from Bokkos in Plateau State, leading to the arrest of a suspect at Lafia cattle market. Investigations linked the livestock to a larger herd of 57 cattle rustled in May 2025. Acting on the tip-off, detectives swiftly mobilised to the market and arrested one Alhaji Ziya-U Inusa, a resident of Dengi in Plateau State, who was found in possession of eleven cows suspected to have been stolen. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that he purchased twelve cows from a paramount ruler in Plateau State (name withheld) but transported only eleven due to limited vehicle capacity.
Earlier, on April 16, troops responded to a rustling incident in Mangu LGA, although the suspects fled before the arrival of security forces.
On April 15, troops recovered 48 rustled cattle in Yelwa village, Heipang District of Barkin Ladi LGA, while on April 13, troops foiled an attempted rustling in Bassa LGA, recovering 92 cattle abandoned by fleeing suspects.
Berom militia kill another Fulani herder in Riyom, as community vow to attack soldiers for arresting 2 suspects
Zulum Appoints Ali Baware Pioneer DG of Rural Access Road Authority
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the appointment of Engr. Ali Abubakar Baware as the pioneer Director-General of the Borno State Rural Access Road Authority (RARA).
The Authority, which came into effect on 14th July 2026, is saddled with the responsibility of managing, developing, reconstructing, rehabilitating and maintaining Class D roads across the state, including ancillary infrastructure such as bridges and drainage.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, Engr. Baware was the immediate past Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Housing.
A seasoned engineer and administrator, Engr. Baware has held several administrative positions and is a member of professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Institute of Civil Engineers.
The appointment is for a period of four years in the first instance.
Governor Zulum congratulated the Director-General on his appointment and charged him to deploy his wealth of experience and expertise to make the new agency functional.
Zulum Appoints Ali Baware Pioneer DG of Rural Access Road Authority
Korea Seeks Nigerian Manufacturing Shift, Urges Ratification of 20-Year Tax Treaty
…Ambassador calls for technology transfer, local production and investment beyond oil trade
By: Michael Mike
South Korea has urged Nigeria to restructure its trade relationship with the Asian country by shifting from crude oil exports and imports of manufactured goods to local production, technology transfer and investment in agriculture and industry.
Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Jeong Yo-an, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja, saying the existing trade pattern had limited the potential of a bilateral relationship worth about $1.1 billion in 2025.
“Today, Nigeria sells us mostly oil and gas. Korea sells mostly cars, electronics and machinery. We can do much more than that,” he said.
Jeong identified local assembly, agricultural machinery production, digital skills, maritime services and emerging industries as priority areas for stronger cooperation.
He also urged Nigeria to ratify the double taxation agreement signed by both countries in 2006, saying the 20-year delay was affecting investor confidence.
He said predictable policies on foreign exchange, customs and taxation were necessary to attract long-term investments.
The ambassador cited the involvement of Korean companies in major Nigerian projects, including Daewoo Engineering and Construction’s work on the Nigeria LNG Train Seven project and the Indorama fertiliser plant. He also named Samsung, LG, Hyundai and Solpia among companies working with Nigerian partners in various sectors.
He encouraged Nigerian businesses to use the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) office in Lagos to establish links with Korean companies and explore opportunities in the Korean market.
The beauty and cosmetics industry, he added, offered prospects for local distribution, employment and partnerships, with Korean manufacturers expected to participate in the Beauty West Africa exhibition on November 13.
On development cooperation, Jeong said about 2,000 Nigerian government officials had received training in South Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
He said KOICA’s Smart School project, implemented with the Universal Basic Education Commission, had reached about 8,000 pupils and trained more than 300 teachers and school administrators.
He also highlighted the Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship, being developed in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria and the United Nations Development Programme. Groundbreaking for the centre took place in September.
The facility is expected to provide young Nigerians with entrepreneurship training, mentorship and connections to finance and markets.
Jeong said Nigerian institutions would operate the centre, while a Training of Trainers programme would build local capacity to sustain its activities.
“A building alone does not create entrepreneurs,” he said, stressing the need to connect start-ups with investors, markets and private-sector operators.
He disclosed that KOICA was also working with the Food and Agriculture Organisation on agricultural initiatives aimed at creating green jobs for Nigerian youths.
Other areas of cooperation include digital development, postgraduate scholarships and government fellowships in information technology, public administration and health. The Nigeria-Korea Information Access Centre, established in Abuja in 2025, is also expected to strengthen digital literacy and access to technology resources.
The ambassador said future partnerships would place greater emphasis on private companies, start-ups and innovators, particularly in artificial intelligence, digital content and technology-based entrepreneurship.
He urged Nigeria to adapt lessons from South Korea’s development experience rather than attempt to replicate its model.
“The key word is not ‘copy’. The key word is ‘adapt’. Nigeria will write its own story. Korea is ready to share what we have learned,” he said.
On diplomatic relations, Jeong cited the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul and the first Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in June as milestones in strengthening engagement.
He said South Korea welcomed Nigeria’s offer to host the seventh session of the Nigeria-Korea Joint Commission in Abuja.
He also disclosed that South Korea was working towards expanding its Official Development Assistance to $10 billion by 2030 and providing $14 billion in export financing to support Korean companies operating in Africa. The country is also planning to host the second Korea-Africa Summit in 2029.
The ambassador said cultural exchanges remained an important part of bilateral relations, disclosing that more than 300,000 people had participated in programmes organised by the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria.
He said this year’s Korean Film Festival attracted about 1,000 participants, while the K-pop Festival in Lagos drew more than 400 young people. The 14th Korean Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Championship in Abuja also attracted about 350 athletes.
Jeong said the embassy planned to expand cultural activities to more Nigerian cities and universities and promote joint film and music productions. He disclosed that Nigerian creators had already produced two Korean-Nigerian drama productions.
He also pledged to support opportunities for Nigerian journalists to visit South Korea through media exchange programmes, including the World Journalists Conference.
The ambassador, a former military officer who served for 36 years before joining the diplomatic service, said he would focus on practical results during his tenure in Nigeria.
“The army taught me one simple lesson: trust is built when you keep your word. That is how I want to work in Nigeria – with more results,” he said.
Korea Seeks Nigerian Manufacturing Shift, Urges Ratification of 20-Year Tax Treaty
ECOWAS, Germany Open Strategic Dialogue as Berlin Commits €49m to West Africa
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, with Germany committing an additional €49 million to support regional development programmes for 2025 and 2026.
The commitment was highlighted during the opening of the strategic dialogue between ECOWAS and Germany in Abuja.
The Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Anthony Ogunjimi, said the engagement marked a renewed approach to cooperation between the regional bloc and Germany, shifting from the traditional concept of consultation to a more strategic, open and constructive partnership.
He said the new strategic dialogue would provide an opportunity for both parties to deepen collaboration and address issues affecting regional development and the welfare of West African citizens.
Germany, which has been a partner to ECOWAS since 1985, has committed approximately €494 million in bilateral technical and financial cooperation over the years.
An additional €49 million was pledged for the 2025–2026 cooperation period during negotiations in November 2025.
The funding comprises €32.8 million for financial cooperation and €16.2 million for technical cooperation.
Ogunjimi, who spoke on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Gen. Birame Diop, expressed appreciation to the German government for its longstanding partnership and support for the regional organisation and the people of West Africa.
The meeting was attended by the German Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Stefan Rossel; a delegation from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), led by Karen Pfundt, Head of Division for West Africa II; representatives of the German development agency, GIZ; and directors and senior officials of the ECOWAS Commission.
The strategic dialogue is expected to provide a platform for reviewing existing cooperation and identifying areas for stronger collaboration between Germany and ECOWAS.
ECOWAS, Germany Open Strategic Dialogue as Berlin Commits €49m to West Africa
Zulum Appoints Ali Baware Pioneer DG of Rural Access Road Authority
Troops Intervene in Farm Destruction Dispute in Jos East, Invite Farmer and Suspected Herder for Settlement
AFCSC Senior Staff Course Participants Visit 3 Division, Operation Enduring Peace Headquarters in Plateau
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