Armed assailants launch raids on four villages in Plateau, leaving two dead and homes torched

Gunmen have launched a series of deadly attacks on Berom communities in Plateau State, leaving two people dead, one injured, and numerous houses reduced to ashes. The assaults, which occurred on Tuesday night, were reported in at least four locations, including Gwa-Wereng Rim, Kyeng Village in Bachi District, Dorong, and Jol Village.

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The Berom Youth Moulders-Association has confirmed the killings, with National Publicity Secretary Rwang Tengwong issuing a statement on Wednesday detailing the atrocities. The statement revealed that the attacks claimed the lives of Bulus Mwagwong, also known as Dikko, and 47-year-old Stephen Dachollom Kaze, who was killed at Kyeng Village in Bachi District at around 8:30 p.m.

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A resident of the affected area, Lyop Gabriel, recounted the events at Gwa-Wereng Rim, where the attack occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m., with gunmen invading the community and opening fire on residents. This account is consistent with the BYM statement, which described the assault on Gwa-Wereng Rim as a violent invasion that left Dikko's cousin, Yakubu, with fatal injuries.

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The BYM statement also reported that an attack was carried out at Dorong, where houses were set ablaze, resulting in the destruction of property and forcing residents to flee in fear. Another incident occurred at Jol Village, where armed attackers allegedly engaged local vigilantes in an exchange of gunfire, further heightening tension in the community.

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National President of the BYM, Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, condemned the attacks, describing them as a disturbing threat to the lives, livelihoods, and safety of rural communities. The association expressed concern over the increasing frequency of attacks on communities, particularly farmers and other residents who depend on their farmlands for their livelihoods.

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The BYM called on security agencies to immediately strengthen their presence in vulnerable communities, intensify surveillance, and pursue those responsible for the attacks. The association also urged security agencies to ensure that perpetrators of the killings and destruction were arrested and brought to justice.

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The association 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. The BYM extended its condolences to the families of Mwagwong and Kaze, while wishing Yakubu a speedy recovery.

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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.

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When contacted, the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, was not immediately available for comment on the killings, as his phone indicated that it was switched off.