Death Toll in Plateau Village Attack in Nigeria Rises Above 30, Confirms Local Youth Leader

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

July 16, 2025

The number of people killed in the recent assault on Jebbu Binde village, located in Ta-Hoss District of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria, has climbed beyond 30, according to community sources.

The attack occurred late Monday night around 11 p.m., when armed assailants—believed to be Fulani militia—stormed the village. Initial reports indicated 20 fatalities and multiple injuries as residents fled for safety.

Gideon Manjal and Gadu Daniel Dong, Chairman and Publicity Secretary of the Riyom chapter of the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), issued a statement describing the attack as a coordinated night raid by heavily armed gunmen. They reportedly went from house to house, killing vulnerable individuals including women, children, and elderly people who could not escape.

Survivors identified the attackers as Fulani extremists, mirroring previous violent incidents in Plateau State. The raid left the community devastated with more than 20 innocent lives lost.

On Tuesday evening, Dauda Dung, a youth leader from the area, updated the death toll to 32. After discovering 20 bodies initially, local youths conducted further searches around nearby rocky areas and bushes, finding seven more corpses. Additionally, five injured victims later succumbed to their wounds in hospitals.

Dung urged authorities and security agencies in Nigeria to intensify efforts to protect communities like theirs. He warned that without urgent and effective intervention, such violent attacks are likely to continue.