BREAKING: PLATEAU: FARMERS IN LWA IN RIYOM LGA, ATTACKED

 By: Amb. Valentine Adese (JP),

The fears of the youths of Plateau State that the state might be attacked, if they all focus on the ongoing Nationwide Hunger Protest has become real, as Farmers in Lwa in Bachi District of Riyom Local Government (LGA) of the state were attacked today by armed men suspected to be Fulani.

In a press release on the development made available to REALITY, signed by, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, the National President of Berom Youths’ Moulder-Association, over 20 armed Fulanis attacked Lwa in Bachi District, Riyom Local Government Area (LGA), leaving Four (4) persons with varying degrees of injuries.

According to the statement, “At about 2:00pm of today, 6^th August 2024, a group of over 20 well-armed Fulani attacked some natives of Lwa in Bachi District, Riyom LGA who were farming around Seheng area of the village. As a result, 4 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries including one Mr. Caleb Bachen, 32, who had a fracture in his hand”.

Adding that “When contacted through a phone call, Caleb narrated that "I was at a different location from other farmers whom I heard them crying aloud for rescue from the gunfire that was all over the area.  I never knew what was happening.

“On trying to run back home, some of the attackers holding arms, machetes and sticks came after me, and hacked me mercilessly in spite of repeated plea. I screamed for help, and one Fulani by name Saddau came and rescued me in the hands of the attackers whom I cannot figure out their number, but were more than 15. Other victims may know the actual figure".

“Another victim said, "We took permission from the Fulani some months ago before we went to cultivate our farms after many years of denial of access thereto. The Fulani started threatening us last week that we won't be allowed to harvest our crops this year. So, 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 4 of us, some of whom have been rushed for medical attention."

“The incident,  according to other local sources, occurred following an early warning threats posed and uttered last week by the Fulani that the natives of Lwa should desist from farming within that area or face another round of armed invasion.

“As at the time of filing this report, tension has risen not only in Lwa, but also neighboring villages such as Fan, Shonong, Dum, Rachid and Bangai”.

TO BE CONTINUED…