At least two people have been confirmed dead and one other declared missing following a violent assault on Kum community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday around 3 a.m., was carried out by unidentified gunmen who stormed the settlement and opened fire indiscriminately, throwing residents into chaos and fear.
Confirming the attack, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Mr. Rwang Tengwong, explained that the assailants invaded while villagers were asleep, catching them completely off guard. He added that local vigilantes had immediately launched a search operation to locate the missing individual, while efforts were underway to restore calm and prevent further escalation.
The latest violence comes against the backdrop of heightened tension in Riyom LGA, which has recently witnessed widespread destruction of farmlands. Reports indicate that more than 100 irrigation farms in Jol community were ravaged between April 21 and 22, 2026, allegedly by herders who allowed cattle to graze on cultivated land.
The Berom Youth Moulders Association, under the leadership of its president, Barrister Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, strongly condemned the destruction, describing it as a deliberate and systematic attack on the livelihoods of local farmers. In a statement, the group characterized the incident as “calculated and complete destruction” of farmlands within just two days.
According to BYM, over 50 hectares of irrigated farmland containing various crops were destroyed, crippling the primary source of income for many families. The association warned that the losses posed a grave threat to food security and economic stability in the region, as farming remains the backbone of local sustenance.
While acknowledging the intervention of the Special Task Force (STF), which impounded 21 cows linked to the grazing incident, BYM argued that the measure was inadequate compared to the scale of devastation. “The seized cattle represent only a fraction of those involved and cannot compensate for even half of the losses suffered by the affected farmers,” the association stated.
In response, BYM demanded the immediate suspension of grazing activities in Jol and neighboring communities, including Kwi, Wereng, and Rim. The group also called for full compensation to be paid to affected farmers, alongside stronger security presence and enforcement measures to prevent future occurrences.
The association emphasized that continued inaction by relevant authorities could worsen tensions in the area. “The community’s patience is being severely tested, and, while we advocate a lawful and peaceful resolution, we cannot guarantee sustained calm if these injustices persist unchecked,” the statement warned.
BYM reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Jol and urged both government and security agencies to act swiftly in the interest of justice, peace, and coexistence. The group stressed that failure to address the grievances of farmers and residents could fuel resentment and instability, undermining efforts to maintain harmony in Plateau State.
The attack on Kum community and the destruction of farmlands in Jol highlight the fragile security situation in Riyom LGA, where clashes between farmers and herders have repeatedly disrupted lives and livelihoods. Residents say the dual crises—violent assaults and agricultural losses—have left them feeling vulnerable and abandoned.
Community leaders have appealed for urgent intervention, noting that the combination of insecurity and economic sabotage threatens not only local survival but also broader regional stability. They argue that without decisive government action, the cycle of violence and destruction could spiral further, deepening mistrust between communities and eroding confidence in state institutions.
As investigations continue into the Kum attack, security agencies face mounting pressure to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Meanwhile, the search for the missing resident remains ongoing, with vigilantes and community members combing surrounding areas in hopes of finding him alive.
The tragic events underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to address both violent crime and agricultural conflicts in Plateau State. Stakeholders insist that beyond immediate security responses, long-term solutions must involve dialogue, compensation, and stricter regulation of grazing practices to ensure peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
For now, the people of Riyom LGA remain caught between grief and uncertainty, mourning the loss of lives while grappling with the destruction of their farmlands. Their calls for justice and protection echo across Plateau State, demanding urgent attention from authorities determined to restore peace and stability in the troubled region.
