By Blessing Elo Oghene
Three persons have been killed, two others injured and 114 cattle rustled in separate attacks in Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The incidents also involved the killing of two cattle and the destruction of crops and farmlands, according to separate statements issued by the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) and the Mwaghavul Youth Movement (MYM) on Wednesday.
The BYM, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, said 114 cattle were rustled in Wereng, Riyom LGA, between October 6 and 12, 2026.
The association added that a 42-year-old man, David Danjuma, was killed during the incident by gunmen suspected to be terrorists.
It also reported the killing of 48-year-old James Joro Dung in Tafan, Barkin Ladi LGA, on October 13, noting that two of his cattle were killed during the attack.
The association expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and called for investigations into the killings and efforts to recover the rustled cattle.
It also urged security agencies to strengthen surveillance along vulnerable routes and provide adequate protection for farming communities ahead of the harvest season.
The BYM further commended the establishment of Department of State Services (DSS) camps in vulnerable communities, while calling for adequate funding, equipment and expanded operations where necessary.
Meanwhile, the Mwaghavul Youth Movement reported the killing of 65-year-old Dauda Shamaki during an attack on Nchiya community in Mangu LGA on Monday night.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Tubwot Joël Sunday, on behalf of its President, Comrade Jonathan Kyesmang Yusuf, the group also reported that a security operative was shot and injured around Aloghom community earlier that day.
According to the statement, the incident followed an allegation that cattle had entered farmlands and destroyed crops belonging to local farmers.
The group said gunmen later invaded Nchiya community, where two men keeping watch at a local vigilance point were attacked with firearms and machetes.
It added that Shamaki died in the attack, while the second vigilante narrowly escaped.
The movement also alleged that two of the attackers wore uniforms belonging to security operatives and called for a thorough investigation to establish their identities and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“While there is no concrete evidence yet that security operatives provided cover for the attackers, the presence of individuals in uniform among the attackers is highly suspicious and must be thoroughly investigated,” the statement said.
The group urged the Plateau State Government and security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.
Both organisations called on residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities and avoid reprisals or the circulation of unverified information.
