Seven farmers killed in Plateau as reprisal violence spreads

At least seven farmers were killed late Wednesday in Bum community, Chugwi area of Vwang District, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, in what authorities and local leaders say is part of a rising cycle of reprisal attacks across the state.

Sources said the assailants struck at about 11 p.m., catching residents off guard.

The spokesperson of the Berom Youths Moulder Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed that seven bodies had been recovered, while search efforts were continuing in nearby areas.

Tengwong noted that the incident occurred despite earlier security alerts warning that several communities faced possible attacks, describing the situation as deeply troubling for rural residents already living in fear.

The latest violence is believed to be linked to earlier clashes and attacks involving farming and pastoral communities across Barkin Ladi, Jos East, Riyom and Jos South LGAs throughout December 2025.

Days before the Bum incident, five Fulani youths were 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 treatment.

The Plateau State Chairman of MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf, condemned the shooting and called for investigations and better security on major routes.

Security reports also connect the tension to a December 16 attack at an illegal mining site in Barkin Ladi, where several miners lost their lives and others were abducted, reportedly after arguments linked to stolen cattle.

Earlier in the month, multiple cattle rustling incidents and the death of livestock in different communities further heightened tensions.

The situation escalated further when four children were killed in Dorong village, Foron District, in what residents described as a retaliatory attack.

Community leaders and security agencies are urging calm, while calling for thorough investigations, stronger protection for communities, and peaceful resolution of disputes to stop the cycle of violence.