Gunmen have killed two people, injured one, and burned houses in new attacks on Berom communities in Plateau State.
The attacks happened on Tuesday night. They were reported in at least four places: Gwa-Wereng Rim, Kyeng Village in Bachi District, Dorong, and Jol Village.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association confirmed the killings in a statement on Wednesday. The statement was signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong.
The association said gunmen struck Gwa-Wereng Rim, killing Bulus Mwagwong, known as Dikko. His cousin, Yakubu, was also seriously hurt.
The statement added that “47-year-old Stephen Dachollom Kaze was also killed by suspected attackers at Kyeng Village, Bachi District, at about 8:30 p.m.”
A local resident, Lyop Gabriel, shared that the attack at Gwa-Wereng Rim “occurred at about 9:30 p.m., when gunmen reportedly invaded the community and opened fire on residents.”
According to the BYM statement, “another attack was recorded at Dorong, where attackers allegedly set houses ablaze, causing destruction of property and forcing residents to flee in fear.”
In Jol Village, the association stated that “armed attackers reportedly engaged local vigilantes in an exchange of gunfire, further heightening tension in the community.”
The National President of the BYM, Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, also confirmed the killings. He condemned the attacks, saying they are “a disturbing threat to the lives, livelihoods and safety of rural communities.”
The association is worried about what it calls the rising number of attacks on communities, especially farmers and others who rely on their farms for survival.
BYM “called on security agencies to immediately strengthen their presence in vulnerable communities, intensify surveillance and pursue those responsible for the attacks.”
They also urged security agencies “to ensure that perpetrators of the killings and destruction were arrested and brought to justice.”
The group further appealed to the Plateau State Government and other relevant authorities “to provide immediate assistance to affected families and communities, particularly those who lost loved ones, homes and other property in the attacks.”
BYM “extended its condolences to the families of Mwagwong and Kaze, while wishing Yakubu a speedy recovery.”
The association “urged residents to remain vigilant, peaceful and united, stressing that concerted efforts were required to prevent further escalation of violence in affected communities.”
It “called for urgent and decisive security action to protect lives and property and restore confidence among residents of the affected communities.”
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, was not available for comment on the killings. His phone was switched off.
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