Four Injured as Suspected Herdsmen Attack Farmers in Plateau

Gunmen believed to be herders attacked farmers in Bachi community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, injuring four people.

The Berom Youths Moulders Association President, Solomon Mwantiri, confirmed the incident in Jos on Wednesday, stating that the attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon while the victims were working in their fields.

Mwantiri reported that the assault happened around 2:00 pm on August 6, 2024, when a group of over 20 heavily armed Fulani men targeted locals from Lwa in Bachi District, who were farming near the Seheng area of the village.

The injured were promptly taken to the hospital and are currently receiving treatment.

Caleb Bachen, one of the victims, recounted from his hospital bed that he was at a different location when he heard cries for help and gunshots.

As he attempted to flee, he was pursued and brutally attacked by some of the assailants armed with weapons, machetes, and sticks despite his desperate pleas for mercy.

Another victim mentioned that they had obtained permission from the Fulani several months ago to cultivate their farms after years of being denied access.

Recently, the Fulani had begun threatening them, declaring that they would not be allowed to harvest their crops this year. The victim reported that while they were working in their fields, they saw over 20 armed Fulani men who began shooting sporadically and driving them away from their lands.

The Plateau State Police Command spokesman, Alabo Alfred, was unavailable for comment as calls to his mobile phone went unanswered.