A suspected militia attack on a herd of 44 cattle in Akawu, near Tanjol Community in Jol Ward, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, has reportedly left six animals dead, three slaughtered, eight injured and 10 missing.
The incident reportedly occurred around 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The affected livestock were said to belong to Shuaibu Woje, a resident of Mahanga Community in Riyom.
According to a statement by the Fulani Community in Riyom, the cattle were allegedly driven into a restricted area around Tanjol Community before suspected armed assailants opened fire on them.
The incident was reportedly witnessed from a distance, with residents hearing gunshots directed at the livestock in an area known as Akawu.
The community said the matter was immediately reported to the Joint Task Force, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), prompting security agencies to initiate rescue efforts.
Although initial efforts on Wednesday were unsuccessful, a subsequent intervention on Thursday morning by Mobile Police personnel stationed in Jol and troops of Operation Enduring Peace deployed at Dakun led to the successful recovery of 17 cattle without injuries.
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A breakdown of the incident showed that six cattle were shot dead, three were slaughtered, eight sustained injuries, while 10 remained missing as of the time the statement was issued.
Describing the incident as a major economic setback for the owner, the Fulani community called on security agencies to investigate the attack, identify those responsible and ensure their prosecution, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.
It also urged authorities to intensify efforts to recover the missing cattle and called on the Plateau State Government to investigate the losses and consider appropriate compensation for the affected owner.
The community further appealed for increased security patrols and surveillance around Tanjol, Mahanga and other vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks and possible escalation of tensions.
While commending the security personnel involved in recovering the 17 cattle, the community urged residents to remain calm and avoid retaliation.
It reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence with other ethnic and religious groups in Plateau State, stressing that criminal acts should not be attributed to any particular tribe or religion.
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