The Operation Safe Haven has announced that no fewer than 10 people have been killed and several cows rustled in the renewed violence in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The recent surge of violence in Riyom reportedly stemmed from farm destruction, cattle rustling, and attacks on livestock carried out by individuals from both Fulani and Berom communities.
A statement from Operation Safe Haven says that the renewed violence in the council area began on Monday, May 12, 2025, when suspected youths slaughtered and rustled cattle that had encroached on their farms in Dayan village, Riyom Local Government Area.
The following day, in the evening of May 13, suspected Fulani herders attacked Danchindo village, killing at least 4 people before fleeing ahead of security operatives’ arrival.
And on Wednesday, May 14, at least 26 cows were killed and several others injured in Darwat community, allegedly in reprisal for the earlier killings of locals and suspected Fulani herders. in retaliation attacked a settlement near Wereng Kam community, killing six locals.
Officers of the Joint Security Task Force responded to the cattle rustling and slaughtering, arrested one suspect person who is currently under investigation, while 130 cows have been recovered and returned to their owners.
The Task Force warned against actions that could further destabilize the fragile situation.
Commander of Operation Safe Haven and General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who visited the area engaged community representatives and other stakeholders.
The presence of security operatives working have restore normalcy in the area.
