Plateau Attacks: Three Killed, Two Injured as Gunmen Rustle 114 Cattle
Three people have been killed, two others injured and 114 cattle stolen in separate attacks across three local government areas of Plateau State.
The incidents occurred in Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs between October 6 and October 13, 2026. They also involved the killing of two cattle and the destruction of crops and farmlands.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) and the Mwaghavul Youth Movement (MYM) disclosed the incidents in separate statements made available to journalists in Jos on Wednesday.
Both organisations called for stronger security measures, thorough investigations and the recovery of the stolen cattle.
Plateau Attacks Leave Three Dead
According to the BYM, 114 cattle were rustled in Wereng community, Riyom Local Government Area, between October 6 and 12.
The association’s National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, said gunmen suspected of terrorism were responsible for the incident. A 42-year-old man, David Danjuma, was also killed.
In a separate attack, James Joro Dung, 48, was killed in Tafan, Barkin Ladi LGA, on October 13. The association added that two cattle were killed during the incident.
The BYM expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. It also called on security agencies to investigate the killings and work towards recovering the stolen livestock.
Furthermore, the group urged authorities to improve surveillance along routes vulnerable to attacks and provide better protection for rural communities.
It stressed that stronger security was particularly important as farmers prepared for the harvest season.
Attack in Mangu Claims Life of 65-Year-Old Man
Meanwhile, the Mwaghavul Youth Movement reported another deadly incident in Nchiya community, Mangu LGA.
The group said Dauda Shamaki, 65, was killed when gunmen attacked the community on Monday night.
According to a statement signed by the group’s Director of Public Affairs, Tubwot Joël Sunday, on behalf of its President, Jonathan Kyesmang Yusuf, a security operative was also shot and injured around Aloghom community earlier that day.
The statement linked the tension to an incident in which cattle allegedly entered farmlands and destroyed crops belonging to local farmers.
Later, armed men reportedly invaded Nchiya community, where two people were keeping watch at a local vigilance point.
The attackers allegedly used firearms and machetes during the assault. Shamaki died, while the second person on duty narrowly escaped.
The youth organisation condemned the killing and called for a full investigation into the attack.
Group Raises Concern Over Suspected Security Uniforms
The Mwaghavul Youth Movement also raised concerns over allegations that two of the attackers wore uniforms belonging to security operatives.
However, the group acknowledged that it had no concrete evidence that security personnel supported or assisted the attackers.
It nevertheless called on the Plateau State Government and relevant security agencies to establish the identities of those involved and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The organisation also urged authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible was brought to justice.
The allegation remains unverified, and the identities of the suspected attackers have not been established in the information provided by the source.
BYM Calls for Stronger Security in Vulnerable Communities
Following the incidents, the Berom Youth Moulders-Association called for improved security arrangements in communities exposed to repeated attacks.
The group urged authorities to increase surveillance along vulnerable routes and ensure farmers can work without fear of violence or livestock theft.
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It also welcomed the establishment of Department of State Services (DSS) camps in vulnerable communities.
However, the association called for adequate funding, equipment and operational support to help the camps carry out their duties effectively.
The group maintained that improved security would help protect lives, safeguard livestock and reduce the risk of further attacks on farming communities.
Plateau Groups Urge Residents to Avoid Retaliation
Both the BYM and MYM appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
They also warned against reprisals and the circulation of unverified information that could heighten tensions within affected communities.
The latest incidents highlight continuing concerns about the safety of rural residents, livestock owners and farmers in parts of Plateau State.
With the harvest season approaching, community representatives have stressed the need for effective security measures to protect lives, prevent further livestock theft and safeguard agricultural activities.
Authorities are expected to investigate the reported incidents and determine the circumstances surrounding the killings, injuries and cattle rustling.
