Gunmen suspected to be herders attacked farmers in Plateau State, injuring four individuals. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in the Bachi community, Riyom Local Government Area. Solomon Mwantiri, President of the Berom Youths Moulders Association, confirmed the attack to The PUNCH in Jos on Wednesday.
According to Mwantiri, the victims were on their farms when over 20 well-armed Fulani gunmen attacked them. "At about 2:00 pm today, August 6, 2024, a group of over 20 well-armed Fulani attacked some natives of Lwa in Bachi District, Riyom LGA, who were farming around the Seheng area of the village," he said. Four persons sustained varying degrees of injuries, including Caleb Bachen, who suffered a hand fracture.
From his hospital bed, Caleb Bachen recounted the attack, explaining that he was separated from the other farmers when he heard their cries for help amidst gunfire. As he attempted to flee, attackers armed with machetes and sticks pursued and hacked him. He was eventually rescued by a man named Saddau.
Another victim described how the Fulani had granted them permission months ago to cultivate their farms, following years of denied access. However, last week, the Fulani began threatening that the farmers would not be allowed to harvest their crops. "While we were on our farms, I saw over 20 armed Fulani, who started shooting sporadically, chasing us away from the farmlands. Those carrying sticks beat and injured four of us, some of whom have been rushed for medical attention," the victim explained.
Attempts to reach Alabo Alfred, the spokesperson for the Plateau State Command, were unsuccessful as his mobile phone was switched off.
