Berom militia kill Fulani herder in Riyom as tit-for-tat violence escalates in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Abubakar Hababe, a 40-year-old Fulani herder, was on April 5 found dead after an attack in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, in what appears to be a reprisal attack in continuation of the tit for tat across affected communities.

The latest incident occurred at about 8:30 a.m., when troops deployed at Rim village responded to a distress call of an attack between Tanjol and Rim communities. On arrival, security personnel discovered the lifeless body of one Abubakar Hababe, 40, in an open field.

Community sources alleged that the victim, a Fulani herder, was attacked in what is believed to be a reprisal by suspected Berom Militia, following earlier killings in the area.

The development is the latest in a string of violent incidents that have heightened tensions across Riyom and neighbouring local government areas.

Investigations indicate that the attack may be linked to the killing of two miners at an illegal mining site in Rim village, where armed men suspected to be Fulani bandits had earlier stormed the area, killing victims and triggering outrage within the host community.

Zagazola report that the pattern reflects a sustained cycle of retaliatory violence that has continued to escalate across Plateau.

On April 3, troops responding to a distress call in Sabongida village, Jos South Local Government Area, recovered the body of a 30-year-old herder identified as Shafiyu, who had been killed in the bush under unclear circumstances.

Later the same day, gunmen attacked an illegal mining site in Gyel village, Riyom LGA, killing three miners, including one Samuel Davou, while several others fled.

Earlier on March 25, the body of a Fulani boy, Abdullahi Mohammed, was discovered in a shallow grave in Mangu Local Government Area, sparking tension in the area.

On the same day, reports also indicated destruction of irrigation farmlands in Riyom, an incident attributed to herders, which further strained relations between farming and pastoral communities.

On March 28, a prominent Fulani leader, Alhaji Bilyaminu Julde, the Ardo of Gindiri in Barkin Ladi LGA, was assassinated at his residence by gunmen, an incident that significantly escalated tensions.

That same day, farmlands in Tahoss village, Riyom LGA, were reportedly destroyed by stray cattle, further deepening hostilities.

By April 2, violence had spread to Bokkos LGA, where troops foiled an attack by suspected armed herders following clashes with vigilantes over grazing disputes, leaving one vigilante injured.

On April 3, additional incidents were reported in Barkin Ladi, where troops recovered suspected rustled cattle, while another Fulani youth was reportedly killed in Riyom in a separate isolated attack.

Security presence has since been intensified across the affected areas, with troops conducting patrols and engaging community leaders to prevent further escalation.

Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and refrain from reprisals, warning that the persistent cycle of attacks and counter-attacks continues to threaten peace and stability in the state.

Security forces said Investigations into the latest killing are ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend those responsible.

Berom militia kill Fulani herder in Riyom as tit-for-tat violence escalates in Plateau