Twenty-seven farmers killed by gunmen in Plateau state have been laid to rest in a mass burial.
The victims, including men and women, were killed on July 15 when gunmen attacked Bindi-Jebbu, Tahoss community in Riyom LGA of Plateau state.
The assailants invaded the community, set homes ablaze, destroyed crops, and left a trail of devastation across eight settlements.
Several injured others received treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Plateau Hospital.
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The Plateau state government had criticised the military for allegedly failing to prevent the attack, which it said took place just 200 metres from a military checkpoint.
Speaking during the mass burial on Friday, Bature Shuwa, chairman of Riyom LGA, condoled with the families of the victims.
“My people of Bindi-Jebu and the greater Riyom community are gathered here today in unspeakable grief, hearts heavy with sorrow, to mourn our brothers and sisters. Twenty-seven precious lives, cut down in a cruel and senseless act of violence in the early hours of July 15, 2025,” he said.
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“As your chairman, I stand with you in leadership and deep mourning. I cannot begin to imagine the pain, the silence in your homes, or the weight of these empty spaces left behind.”
Shuwa said those killed were fathers, mothers, children, farmers, neighbours, and friends.
“Let their memories stir a renewed commitment to justice, peace, and security in us. We will not forget. We will not be silent. And we will not rest until our communities are safe,” he said.
