Renewed violence has erupted in Plateau State’s Riyom Local Government Area, with at least 10 people confirmed dead and dozens of cattle killed or stolen in a flurry of retaliatory attacks. Security officials say the cycle of violence began on Monday, May 12, when youths in Dayan village slaughtered and rustled cattle that had encroached on their farms. Tensions mounted as both Berom farmers and Fulani herders struck back and forth in the days that followed.

According to Operation Safe Haven (the joint security task force in Plateau), on Tuesday evening (May 13) suspected Fulani herders attacked the nearby village of Danchindo, killing four residents before fleeing the scene. The violence escalated further on Wednesday, May 14, when reprisals in Darwat left 26 cows dead. Later that day, suspected Fulani militiamen attacked an isolated settlement near Wereng Kam, killing six more locals. In all, the latest clashes have left at least 10 people dead and numerous cattle slaughtered or taken.

Operation Safe Haven troops moved quickly to stabilize the area. Officers say one suspect has been arrested in connection with the cattle rustling, and around 130 stolen cows were recovered and returned to their owners. Troops also launched mop-up operations to pursue and neutralize any remaining militants. Major General Folusho Oyinlola – the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven – personally visited the affected communities. He met with local leaders and deployed additional forces, helping to restore a relative calm to Riyom.

Meanwhile, the security situation in Plateau remains tense. Just days earlier, bandits raided a market in Wase LGA (Bashar district), abducting five traders during a Monday morning attack.