‎27 Victims of Riyom Attack Laid to Rest in Heart-Wrenching Mass Burial

By Asile Abel, Jos

In a somber ceremony marked by anguish and tears, the Bindi-Jebbu community in Tahoss, Riyom Local Government Area, laid to rest 27 victims of a brutal attack by gunmen on July 14, 2025. The mass burial, held on Friday, brought together grieving families, community leaders, and residents as they mourned the loss of loved ones, including women and children, in a devastating assault that has reignited concerns over insecurity in Plateau State.

‎The attack, which occurred in the early hours of July 14, saw gunmen storm the community, shooting indiscriminately and setting houses ablaze. According to Dalyop Solomon, National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, the assailants left behind a trail of destruction, with many others injured and receiving treatment at hospitals, including Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Hospital.

‎Your pain is ours; your loss, a wound in the heart of all Riyom people

‎Speaking at the burial, Riyom LGA Chairman Bature Sati Shuwa expressed profound grief, describing the loss of “27 precious lives” as a “cruel and senseless act of violence.” He stood in solidarity with the bereaved, stating, “Your pain is ours; your loss, a wound in the heart of all Riyom people.” Shuwa also praised Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his swift visit to the community, offering condolences and support in the wake of the tragedy.

‎The mass burial, coordinated with the assistance of community leaders and humanitarian workers, saw the bodies of the victims transported from hospital morgues back to the community for their final rites. The atmosphere remained tense, with residents voicing fears over recurring attacks in rural areas. Allegations of security lapses surfaced, with some community members claiming that distress calls went unanswered, fueling accusations of abandonment.

‎‎The mass burial, coordinated with the assistance of community leaders and humanitarian workers, saw the bodies of the victims transported from hospital morgues back to the community for their final rites

‎The Berom Youth Moulders Association condemned the attack, alleging it was a targeted campaign by suspected Fulani militias, though the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association denied involvement, calling for a thorough investigation. The incident has sparked renewed calls for enhanced security measures and dialogue to address the root causes of the violence plaguing Plateau State.

‎As the community mourns, the mass burial serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s rural regions, with residents and leaders urging both state and federal governments to act decisively to prevent further loss of life.