Reports indicate that a group of gunmen suspected to be herders have attacked farmers in Plateau State, causing injuries to four individuals.
According to sources, the victims were farming in the Bachi community, Riyom Local Government Area, when they were ambushed by the gunmen.
Confirmation of the incident was provided by Solomon Mwantiri, the President of the Berom Youths Moulders Association, to NewsNow in Jos on Wednesday.
Mwantiri disclosed that the attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon and the injured victims were immediately taken to the hospital for medical attention and treatment.
He narrated, “Today, August 6, 2024, around 2:00 pm, a large group of well-armed Fulani individuals launched an attack on some locals of Lwa in Bachi District, Riyom LGA, who were working on the farms within the Seheng area of the village.
“As a result, four people sustained various injuries, including Caleb Bachen, who suffered a hand fracture.”
From his hospital bed, Caleb Bachen shared his account, saying, “I was at a different location from the other farmers who I could hear screaming for help due to gunfire echoing across the area.”
He added, “Unaware of what was happening, as I tried to flee back home, some armed attackers wielding guns, machetes, and clubs pursued me and brutally assaulted me despite my pleas.
“I cried out for assistance, and a man named Saddau came to my rescue, pulling me away from the assailants, whose exact number, although exceeding 15, I couldn’t ascertain. Other victims may provide a more accurate count.”
Another victim reported, “Several months ago, we obtained permission from the Fulani before cultivating our lands following years of being denied access.
“Last week, the Fulani began issuing threats, indicating that we would not be allowed to harvest our crops this year.
“While we were on the farmlands, I witnessed more than 20 armed Fulani individuals firing shots indiscriminately, chasing us away from our fields. Some attackers wielding clubs injured four of us, some of whom were hurried for medical treatment.”
Efforts to reach the Spokesperson for the Plateau State Command, Alabo Alfred, to comment on the incident were unsuccessful as calls to his mobile phone went unanswered.