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Berom Militia rustled 102 cows in Riyom in sustained unprovoked attacks on Fulani Livelihood
Berom Militia rustled 102 cows in Riyom in sustained unprovoked attacks on Fulani Livelihood
By: Zagazola Makama
No fewer than 102 cows were rustled on Wednesday in Dan Sokoto, Ganawuri District of Riyom Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, in what residents described as part of a series of sustained unprovoked attacks on the economic lifeline of pastoral communities.
Local sources told Zagazola Makama that the rustling occurred at about 11:00 a.m. when armed men, identified by witnesses as Berom militia from Vom District in Jos South LGA, stormed the area and drove away the cattle. The herders reportedly fled for their lives as the attackers were said to be wielding sophisticated weapons.
The cattle belong to Alhaji Nalado of Gargari, around Tashan Nashanan, and Malam Ango of Sabon Kaura, around Kudadu both in Jos East LGA though the animals were taken from Ganawuri in Riyom LGA.
Witnesses said the attackers were heavily armed, forcing the herders to flee for their lives. As of the time of this report, no cattle had been recovered, despite security agencies being alerted immediately. Residents also allege that areas such as Vwang in Jos South and parts of Fan District in Barkin Ladi LGA are increasingly seen as “no-go” zones where rustled cattle are kept and recovery efforts face serious obstacles.
The rustling of 102 cows in Ganawuri District of Riyom Local Government Area (LGA) on Jan. 14, 2026, is not an isolated crime. It is the latest chapter in a long-running pattern in Plateau State where attacks on livestock particularly cattle act as a spark that often ignites wider communal violence.
This dynamic was visible again this month. At least seven cows were poisoned in Kwi village in Riyom LGA, while three others were shot dead around Kuru Gadabiyu in Barkin Ladi LGA, near the Bicichi axis. Security sources attributed the incidents to Berom militia elements. Each attack on cattle heightens tension in flashpoints already on edge.
Before the latest attack, the Chairman of the Berom Educational and Cultural Organization was heard in a viral video during a burial threatening to eliminate any Fulani harder who entered into their community in Foron District in Barkin Ladi.
The pattern is familiar. On Jan. 6, coordinated attacks on Jol community in Riyom LGA and Gero in Gyel District of Jos South LGA left three people dead. The violence followed the shooting of two Fulani youths earlier that same day in Jos South, one of whom later died. Witnesses described that earlier ambush as unprovoked.
Once again, the sequence followed a predictable arc: an initial attack, then swift retaliation, and then counter-retaliation. Each side frames its actions as response, while the original triggers often attacks on livelihoods fade from public narratives.
After the Jol and Gero killings, the Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM) condemned what it called sustained attacks on indigenous communities and renewed calls for the proscription of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). But security assessments note that public statements often omit the events that preceded the reprisals especially the poisoning, shooting or rustling of cattle.
This omission deepens mistrust. When one side’s losses are highlighted and the other’s ignored, communities retreat into hardened positions. The result is polarisation and a cycle where each new incident becomes justification for the next.
The January incidents sit on top of months of unresolved grievances: On Dec. 12, 2025, over 130 cattle were reportedly rustled in Nding community. Around the same period, livestock poisoning was recorded across parts of Jos East and Riyom LGAs. These were followed by deadly clashes, including the killing of four children in Dorong village, Barkin Ladi LGA, and attacks on Gero village that resulted in deaths, injuries and loss of livestock.
On Dec. 16, 2025, an attack on an illegal mining site in Tosho community, Barkin Ladi LGA, left 12 miners dead and others abducted an incident security sources linked to earlier cattle rustling and farmland destruction. Each episode shows the same sequence: economic sabotage, fear, anger, then violence.
For pastoral communities, cattle are not just animals; they are livelihoods, savings and identity. When herds are stolen, poisoned or shot, families are pushed into desperation.
Targeting cattle is particularly dangerous because it strikes directly at survival. Once herds are destroyed or taken, families lose income, food security and social standing. In such conditions, emotions escalate quickly. Poisoning or killing cattle is often interpreted as a declaration of hostility. It rarely ends without reprisal.
Zagazola has repeatedly warned that Plateau risks remaining trapped in a cycle where each incident becomes the excuse for the next unless attacks on both lives and livelihoods are addressed impartially.
Berom Militia rustled 102 cows in Riyom in sustained unprovoked attacks on Fulani Livelihood
Yobe: Buni urges journalists to uphold professionalism
By: Yahaya Wakili
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has appealed to media practitioners in the state to continue to uphold professionalism while discharging their responsibilities.
He urges the journalists to abide by the ethics of the profession, remain united, and promote peace and harmony among themselves.
The governor made the appeal today while receiving the newly elected leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents Chapel, led by its elected chairman, Mr. Nabilu Balarabe of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), at the Government House, Damaturu.
Ably represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune), he commends journalists in the state for their synergy and collaboration with the state government in projecting a positive image of the state.
Governor Buni commended the journalists for their professionalism and constructive engagement, acknowledging the critical role the media plays in democratic governance and national development.
He pledged the state government’s continued support and collaboration with the correspondents’ chapel to ensure the success of the present administration, particularly in promoting government policies, programs, and achievements.
Earlier, the newly elected chairman, Mr. Nabilu Balarabe, said the visit was to pay homage and formally present the new leadership of the chapel to the governor.
He said recently the chapel conducted an election of the leadership of the chapel, in which Nabilu Balarabe of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) emerged as chairman and Mr. Musa Buba Mingi of Channels Television as vice chairman.
Others include Malam Habibu Idris Gimba of Daily Trust, Secretary; Mr. Michael Oshoma of TVC, Treasurer; Sa’adatu Maina of Neptune Prime, Assistant Secretary; and Muhammed Mai Tela of People’s Daily, Auditor.
Yobe: Buni urges journalists to uphold professionalism
NGX woos NPF to list viable businesses
The Group Chairman Nigerian Exchange Group, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga has urged the Nigerian Police Force to consider listing other viable business entities of its organisation on the Exchange as it has done with its Microfinance Bank.
Kwairanga made the call on Wednesday in Lagos at the closing gong ceremony in honour of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was at the trading floor of the Nigerian Exchange.
Kwairanga gave the NGX’s assurance that such companies if listed would be given free publicity, easy access to greater ponds of capital, and greater transparency and efficiency in their operations.
He said that the Exchange, its operators and quoted companies would continue to provide environment conducive for NPF businesses, in view of the critical role that the police play in ensuring a stable environment for businesses to thrive.
“Our quoted companies have been key to the success of the Police Trust Fund and stand ready to cooperate with the Nigerian Police in other ways that you require logistical and other support to ensure that we have a secure nation and capital market.
“Apart from its core duties of ensuring Nigeria’s internal security, the Nigerian Police Force has over the years established and grown various thriving businesses for the welfare of its personnel.
“One of them, the Nigerian Police Microfinance Bank is in fact quoted on the main board of the Exchange and doing very well in terms of capital appreciation, dividends and corporate governance,” he said.
The NGX boss advised that the Pension Fund should consider increasing its allocations to eligible equity quoted on the Nigerian Exchange.
While commending Egbetokun for visiting the Exchange, Kwairanga pledged to strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship going forward.
Our Correspondent reports that the visit underscores the continued collaboration between key national institutions in promoting market confidence, investor trust and a transparent, well-functioning capital market.
NGX woos NPF to list viable businesses
Turkish–Nigerian Poets Unite in Abuja to Promote Peace Through Art
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Turkey have reinforced their cultural partnership through a poetry exchange in Abuja designed to foster peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding between the two nations.
The literary gathering, hosted by the Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, brought together poets, cultural practitioners, diplomats, and arts administrators from both countries to explore shared human values through poetry and performance.
Speaking at the event, Director-General of the Kaduna International Film Festival, Israel Kashim Audu, described poetry as a powerful medium for cultural diplomacy and peacebuilding. He noted that although Turkish poetry is deeply influenced by Anatolian mysticism, Nigerian poetry often reflects post-colonial experiences, identity, and nationhood.
“Despite their different historical contexts, both poetic traditions meet in their pursuit of justice, harmony, and human dignity,” Audu said.
The Abuja Coordinator of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, Fatih Erkin Mahdum, said the institute has remained committed to promoting Turkish language, arts, and culture in Nigeria since its establishment in 2021. He added that collaborations with Nigerian artists are central to strengthening cultural ties and encouraging creative exchange.
Diplomatic presence at the event underscored its international significance. Mrs Florence Nzako, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside Solveig Andresen of the Norwegian Embassy, welcomed participants and commended the initiative for using art to advance peace and intercultural understanding.
Poets at the gathering presented works exploring themes of peace, love, displacement, and resilience, drawing poetic connections between the Bosphorus and the Niger River as symbols of unity and shared humanity.
Also speaking, Director-General and Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, Kattumu Bulama Gana, said artistic collaborations provide unique opportunities to understand common histories and aspirations. He described the poetry exchange as a valuable contribution to cultural diplomacy between Nigeria and Turkey.
Turkish–Nigerian Poets Unite in Abuja to Promote Peace Through Art
Yobe: Buni urges journalists to uphold professionalism
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NGX woos NPF to list viable businesses
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