Gunmen Attack OPEP Checkpoint in Riyom, Kill Soldier, Cart Away Weapons
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have attacked troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) at a checkpoint in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a soldier and carting away two weapons.
The attackers were yet to be established as either Fulani or Berom militia members, although the incident marked the third attack within the week against Nigerian Army personnel allegedly involving local elements in Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on October 31, 2026, when troops of Sector 6 OPEP deployed at Ungwan Boka came under attack at the Sopp checkpoint.
The sources said the assailants opened heavy fire from different directions, prompting troops to engage them in a gun battle. The attackers reportedly withdrew into the surrounding bushes following the exchange of fire.
However, during the engagement, Sergeant attached to the Nigerian Army Medical Outpost at Tigi, was killed. The sources said the soldier was on an administrative visit to the location when the attack occurred.
Following the incident, the remains of the deceased soldier were evacuated to the mortuary of the 3 Division Medical Services and Hospital (3 DMSH).
Reinforcement troops have reportedly commenced offensive operations and a manhunt for the fleeing attackers, with efforts also underway to recover the stolen weapons.
Attackers’ Identity Yet to Be Established
Military sources said the identity and affiliation of the attackers had yet to be established, cautioning against prematurely attributing the incident to either Fulani or Berom militia.
The sources, however, expressed concern over what they described as a growing pattern of attacks against troops by suspected local armed groups and residents in Plateau State, with the Riyom incident reportedly marking the third such attack within the week.
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It will be recalled that on October 29, suspected local youths allegedly attacked security personnel during a protest along the Jos–Mararaban Pushit–Pankshin highway in Mangu LGA. The protesters were demanding the release of Karfe, a suspected Mwaghavul militia member arrested over the alleged killing of a Fulani elder along the Jipun–Jennaret road. Troops of Sector 8 OPEP reportedly attempted dialogue before the situation escalated, with protesters allegedly throwing stones and other harmful objects at security personnel. A mobile police officer was also reportedly injured.
Also on October 29, Lance Corporal Gbonogbe Mensewon was reportedly attacked by suspected local residents in Bukuru, Jos South LGA, at about 5:45 p.m. The soldier sustained machete wounds to his chest, stomach and head, while two civilians reportedly suffered gunshot injuries. He was evacuated to ECWA Hospital, Bukuru, where he was stabilised before being referred to Bingham Hospital, Jos.
Military alleged that inflammatory rhetoric by some religious and youth leaders had continued to heighten tensions and turn sections of the population against security personnel operating in the state. According to the sources, the prevailing atmosphere of hostility was making military operations increasingly difficult and exposing personnel to attacks while performing their lawful duties.
Military Sources Suspect Possible Fulani Involvement
Meanwhile, military sources said they were also considering the possibility that the attack could have been carried out by members of the Fulani community, particularly in the aftermath of a recent security engagement in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The sources said troops had earlier engaged suspected criminals in the area following reports of killings, resulting in the neutralisation of some suspects.
However, they stressed that the possibility of Fulani involvement in the Riyom attack remained an assessment and had not been established through investigation.
The military is expected to continue its investigation into the incident while pursuing the fleeing attackers and recovering the stolen weapons.
The attack comes amid ongoing security operations by OPEP to contain violence, protect communities and prevent further escalation of communal tensions across Plateau State.
Troops are continuing operations in the general area to track down the assailants and prevent further attacks.
