Two farmers were killed on Wednesday in a renewed wave of violence along the Ganawuri–Tahoss road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Secretary-General of the Berom Youth Moulder-Association (BYM), Bature Iliya Adazaram, confirmed the incident on Thursday, stating that the victims were ambushed and killed around 5:00 p.m. while returning from the Ganawuri market.
The violence escalated the following day when armed men reportedly stormed the burial ceremony of the slain farmers in Gwon village, dispersing mourners with gunfire. According to Adazaram, the attack occurred as hundreds gathered to pay their last respects.
“While hundreds of people gathered at the graveside today, 26th June 2025, to bid farewell to the duo killed, the attackers, in their hundreds, went and attacked the mourners, who scampered for their dear lives,” Adazaram said.
Troops from Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), stationed nearby, were said to have responded swiftly, repelling the assailants and restoring order.
Adazaram blamed Fulani herders for both incidents, a claim strongly denied by the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Riyom, Bello Adamu.
“We are not responsible for any attack in that area. These accusations are baseless. Any time there’s unrest or criminal activity in their community, they blame Fulani herders,” Adamu said.
As of press time, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, had not responded to inquiries regarding the incident.
The latest violence adds to the ongoing insecurity in Plateau State, which has witnessed a series of deadly communal clashes in recent years.
