Gunmen kill nine family members, including baby, in Plateau

At least nine people from one family, including a two-month-old baby, were killed in a late-night attack by suspected gunmen in Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Saturday.

Residents said the attack started around 11:30 PM and went on for over an hour. The village head was also badly injured during the incident.

Precious Tok, a resident, confirmed the attack to PUNCH Metro on Sunday. He said the attackers came in large numbers and shot indiscriminately.

"The gunmen came in large numbers, shooting everywhere. We could hear screams from the houses. They entered homes and slaughtered people. It was one of the deadliest attacks we have seen here in recent times," Tok said.

"The victims in one house were nine from the same family. Even a two-month-old baby was not spared. We ran into the bush for safety and only returned this morning to see the bodies."

Another resident, who did not want to be named, described the scene as horrific. They expressed sadness over the constant insecurity in the area.

"We buried our children with our hands again. This is too much. The government should come and help us. Every time they attack at night, and by morning, people are dead. We are tired of running," the resident said.

Rwang Tengwong, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, confirmed the attack. He said it happened when everyone was asleep.

"The assailants struck when everyone was asleep and unleashed violence on helpless residents. Nine members of one family, including a two-month-old infant, were wiped out, while the village head sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to the hospital for treatment," Tengwong said.

He mentioned that security agencies were informed and hoped that the attackers would be caught and punished.

The attack has left the affected communities in mourning. Residents are urging both the Federal and Plateau State governments to improve security in Riyom and other areas facing similar violence.

At the time of this report, security personnel had been sent to Kum and Wereng-Camp. Many residents are still displaced and scared of more attacks.

Efforts to get an official statement from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful. The spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, could not be reached.