Fresh violence has again rocked Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, where suspected gunmen reportedly killed nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, during a late-night attack on Kum and Wereng-Camp communities.
According to residents, the attackers invaded the communities at about 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, firing indiscriminately and attacking homes for more than an hour before fleeing.
The village head was also said to have sustained critical injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
A resident, Precious Tok, described the incident as one of the deadliest attacks the communities had witnessed in recent times.
“The gunmen came in large numbers, shooting everywhere. They entered homes and slaughtered people. Nine members of one family were killed. Even a two-month-old baby was not spared,” Tok said.
He explained that many residents fled into nearby bushes to escape the attack and only returned the following morning to discover the bodies of the victims.
Another resident, who spoke anonymously, lamented the recurring attacks in the area and appealed for urgent government intervention.
“We buried our children with our own hands again. This is too much. Government should come and help us,” the resident said.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the incident, saying the attackers struck while residents were asleep.
“Nine members of one family, including a two-month-old infant, were wiped out, while the village head sustained life-threatening injuries,” Tengwong stated.
He added that security agencies had been alerted and expressed hope that those responsible would be arrested and prosecuted.
The latest attack has left many residents displaced and grieving, with renewed calls on the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government to strengthen security in Riyom and other vulnerable communities.
Security personnel have since been deployed to the affected communities, although many residents reportedly remain fearful of further attacks.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the incident, as efforts to reach the command’s spokesperson were unsuccessful.
