Plateau Attacks: Three Killed, Two Injured as Gunmen Rustle 114 Cattle

Three people have been killed, two others injured and 114 cattle rustled in separate attacks across Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

The incidents, reported between October 6 and October 13, 2026, 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) in Jos on Wednesday.

The BYM, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, disclosed that 114 cattle were rustled in Wereng community, Riyom LGA, between October 6 and 12.

The association said a 42-year-old man, David Danjuma, was killed during the incident, blaming the attack on 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 bereaved families and called on security agencies to investigate the killings and recover the stolen cattle.

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It further urged the authorities to strengthen security in vulnerable communities, increase surveillance along routes where attacks had been reported and provide adequate protection for farmers ahead of the harvest season.

The BYM also commended the establishment of Department of State Services (DSS) camps in vulnerable communities but called for adequate funding, improved 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, Jonathan Kyesmang Yusuf, the group disclosed that a security operative was shot and injured around Aloghom community earlier that day.

According to the statement, the incidents followed an alleged case of cattle straying into farmlands and destroying 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.

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“Tragically, the attack led to the untimely death of Mr. Dauda Shamaki, aged 65, one of the two men keeping vigil. The second vigilant narrowly escaped,” the statement said.

The movement also alleged that two of the attackers wore uniforms belonging to security operatives, calling for a thorough investigation to establish their identities and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.

It stressed that there was no concrete evidence that security operatives provided cover for the attackers but described the alleged presence of individuals in security uniforms among the gunmen as suspicious.

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 appealed to residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities and avoid reprisals or the spread of unverified information amid the renewed security concerns.

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