11 killed, two churches razed in fresh Plateau attack

No fewer than 11 people, among whom were five security operatives, were said to have been killed when gunmen attacked  Gako and Tanjol communities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Two churches were also burnt in the attack, said to have been carried by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The incident, said to have occurred around 5am on Wednesday, came less than 24 hours after  the Ardo  of the Fulani in Riyom, Alhaji  Mohammad Adamu,  alleged that gunmen suspected to be Berom youths, attacked the herdsmen cattle, killing 60 and seriously injuring 35.

Executive Director, Stefanos Foundation, Mr. Mark Lipdo, said the villagers had received intelligent report that some Fulani had arrived Mahanga, a remote Fulani community in Riyom, where the military had carried out an operation to rid the area of arms following the July 7, 2012 attack which killed over 100 people, including the Senator, representing Plateau North, Dr. Gyang Dantong.


He said prior to this, the villagers had also received information that the Fulani herdsmen had met on May 9 to strategise on the attack and the following day, around 12noon, over 10 vehicles, loaded with suspected militants, arrived in the area.

In a text message to our correspondent, Lipdo said, “Information says right now, 5am, 11/06/14, there is an attack by Fulani against Tanjol of Jol community in Riyom LGA. On 10/06/14 intelligent reports said Fulani herdsmen arrived in Guava ( Mahanga) village of Riyom. The attack has now begun, but response to information has not been impressive.”

He said the villagers reported that two civilians and five military men in uniform were killed, while churches and several houses were razed down.

Media/Communication Officer of the Special Task Force, Capt. Ikedichi Iweha, confirmed the incident. He however said no security agent was killed in the attack.

He said the STF personnel had been mobilised to maintain peace in the troubled community, adding that the task force would make a statement after assessing the situation

Also the Police Public Relations Officer, Dominic Esin, confirmed  that only six people were killed.
He did not make any mention of security agent killed in the attack, adding that  five others were injured