Gunmen have killed two farmers and attacked mourners during their burial in the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. The victims were ambushed on Wednesday while returning from Ganawuri market around 5 pm.
Bature Iliya Adazaram, Secretary General of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM), confirmed the incident, stating that the two men were intercepted and killed along the Ganawuri-Tahoss road.
As their burial took place in Gwon village on Thursday, dozens of armed men reportedly stormed the area. Mourners fled the scene as gunfire rang out. Troops from Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), stationed nearby, quickly responded and restored calm.
The attackers were said to have arrived in large numbers just as the community gathered to lay the victims to rest. According to BYM, the gunmen disrupted the burial, sending people scrambling for safety.
The group accused Fulani herders of being behind both attacks. In response, Bello Adamu, Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Riyom, denied any involvement. He dismissed the allegations as baseless and claimed that Fulani people are often wrongly blamed whenever issues arise in the community.
Local authorities, including the Chief Press Secretary to the Riyom council chairman, Damba Dang, also confirmed the attack.
The situation is currently under investigation as security personnel continue to monitor the area.
