Suspected Berom militia have reportedly attacked a herd of 44 cattle at Akawu, near Tanjol Community in Jol Ward, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, leaving six cattle dead, three slaughtered, eight injured and 10 missing.
The incident, according to Zagazola Makama, a security analyst, in a post on X, occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and reportedly involved cattle belonging to one Shuaibu Woje, a resident of Mahanga Community in Riyom LGA.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Fulani Community in Riyom, the cattle were allegedly driven into a restricted and inaccessible area around Tanjol community before suspected armed Berom militia opened fire on them.
The community said eyewitnesses who saw the incident from a distance reported hearing gunshots targeting the livestock in the area known as Akawu.
He said, “The incident was immediately reported to the Joint Task Force, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, DSS, prompting efforts by security agencies to secure the release of the animals.”
He explained that the initial rescue efforts on Wednesday were unsuccessful, with further intervention mounted on Thursday morning.
The community disclosed that personnel of the Mobile Police stationed in Jol, alongside troops of Operation Enduring Peace, OPEP, deployed at Dakun, subsequently facilitated the rescue of 17 cattle unharmed.
A breakdown of the affected livestock indicated that six were shot dead, three slaughtered, eight sustained injuries, while 10 remained missing as of the time of the statement.
The remaining 17 cattle were successfully recovered without injuries.
The community described the incident as a serious economic setback to the owner and expressed concern over the safety of livestock and herders in Riyom and surrounding communities.
It called on the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 3 Division Nigerian Army, Operation Enduring Peace, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police and the DSS to launch a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
It also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to recover the 10 missing cattle and ensure that anyone found involved in shooting, killing or unlawfully taking the animals is arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation.
The Fulani community further appealed to the Plateau State Government and relevant authorities to investigate the losses and consider appropriate compensation for the affected owner.
It also called for increased security patrols and surveillance around Tanjol, Mahanga and other vulnerable communities in Jol Ward to prevent further attacks on livestock and possible escalation of tensions.
While appreciating the Mobile Police personnel in Jol and Operation Enduring Peace troops at Dakun for their intervention, the community urged residents to remain calm and avoid retaliation.
It reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence with other ethnic and religious groups in Plateau State, stressing that criminality should not be associated with any particular tribe or religion.
