Fulani Herder Shot in Suspected Ambush by Berom Militia in Plateau as Tension Rises in Riyom
By Zagazola Makama
A Fulani herder identified as Ja’afaru was reportedly shot in an ambush by suspected armed assailants in Tanjol Community, Jol Ward of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, in what residents fear could heighten tensions in the area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, as the victim and other herders were returning home after grazing their cattle.
According to community sources, the group was allegedly ambushed by suspected Berom militia, who opened fire on them before fleeing the scene.
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The Fulani community in the area confirmed the incident, stating that Ja’afaru sustained gunshot injuries during the attack. The condition of the victim could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
The incident comes barely 24 hours after another violent attack in the neighbouring Yarwai Community, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where suspected assailants reportedly attacked a herder and shot eight cattle.
Security sources said efforts were underway to verify the latest incident and identify those responsible, while troops and other security agencies have intensified patrols in the affected communities to forestall reprisals and maintain public order.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, avoid retaliatory actions, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.