Fresh violence has struck Plateau State after three vigilantes from the same family were reportedly killed by suspected gunmen during a night patrol in Tarai community, Jol village, Riyom Local Government Area.
The deadly attack occurred at about 10:47 p.m. on Tuesday when the assailants allegedly invaded the community and opened fire on local security volunteers who were keeping watch to protect residents from possible attacks.
The victims were identified as Dachung Danjuma (51), Victor Danjuma (37), and Nyam Danjuma (35). The three biological brothers were reportedly killed on the spot, leaving their family and the entire community in mourning.
A resident of the community, Lyop Bitrus, said the brothers were carrying out their routine patrol when they were ambushed by the attackers, forcing many residents to flee for safety.
“They were keeping watch over the community when the gunmen suddenly attacked them. Sadly, the three brothers were killed on the spot. They sacrificed their lives while protecting the community,” Bitrus said.
The tragedy has been particularly devastating for the family of Victor Danjuma, who was married with five children. Residents disclosed that his wife and children had fled the community two weeks earlier after an attack on neighbouring Tan Jol community. They were reportedly preparing to return home this week following a period of relative calm before Tuesday night’s attack claimed his life.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Mr. Rwang Tengwong, said the attackers stormed Tarai community under the cover of darkness and specifically targeted the local vigilante team protecting the area.
Tengwong described the killing of the three brothers as heartbreaking, lamenting the continued attacks on communities in Riyom and other parts of Plateau State despite repeated calls for improved security.
He appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and ensure those responsible for the attack are brought to justice, stressing that residents should not be forced to live in constant fear.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to officially confirm the incident
