Seven Farmers Killed in Plateau as Reprisal Attacks Escalate

At least seven farmers were reportedly killed late on Wednesday night in Bum community, located in the Chugwi area of Vwang District, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, as renewed reprisal violence continues to spread across the state.

Local sources said the attackers struck around 11 p.m., taking residents by surprise.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Berom Youths Moulder Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, said seven bodies had so far been recovered, adding that search operations were still ongoing in surrounding areas.
Tengwong expressed concern that the attack occurred despite earlier security warnings indicating that several communities were under threat, describing the situation as alarming for rural dwellers already living in fear.
The latest incident is believed to be connected to a series of earlier clashes involving farming and pastoral communities in Barkin Ladi, Jos East, Riyom and Jos South local government areas throughout December 2025.
A few days before the attack in Bum, five Fulani youths were reportedly shot near Con Filling Station along Bukuru Express Road while returning from Bukuru Cattle Market. They were taken to the Jos University Teaching Hospital for medical treatment.
The Plateau State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf, condemned the shooting and called for thorough investigations, as well as improved security along major routes.
Security reports have also linked the growing tension to a December 16 attack at an illegal mining site in Barkin Ladi, where several miners were killed and others abducted, reportedly following disputes related to stolen cattle.
Earlier in the month, repeated incidents of cattle rustling and the killing of livestock in various communities further heightened tensions in the area.
The situation reportedly worsened after four children were killed in Dorong village, Foron District, an incident residents described as a retaliatory attack.
Community leaders and security agencies have continued to appeal for calm, while urging comprehensive investigations, enhanced protection for vulnerable communities and peaceful approaches to resolving disputes in order to halt the cycle of violence.