Armed attackers murder former local official in Plateau town

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Gunmen on Sunday night reportedly killed a former councillor of Rim Ward in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, Daniel Danjuma Chong, popularly known as ‘Hon. Star,’ in yet another attack on a community in the state.

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The incident occurred at about 11:45 p.m. in Torok village, Rim Community.

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A resident of the community, Mrs. Cynitha Dung, who confirmed the killing to PUNCH Online in Jos on Monday, said that the attack threw the entire community into panic as residents fled for safety after hearing sustained gunfire.

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“We heard heavy gunshots late in the night. Everyone ran for safety. By the time people came out, Hon. Daniel had been shot.

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It was a terrifying experience, and the community is still in shock,” she said.

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She added that another resident, Mr. David Danjuma, sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and was receiving treatment.

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Reacting to the incident, the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, BYM, condemned the killing and called on security agencies to apprehend those responsible.

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In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, the association described the attack as another disturbing assault on innocent residents of Riyom Local Government Area.

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According to the group, the attackers stormed the community under the cover of darkness and opened fire, killing the former councillor before fleeing the scene.

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The group expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and the Torok community.

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“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and the people of Torok Community, and we wish Mr. David Dachollom Danjuma a speedy recovery,” the statement read.

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BYM called on security agencies and the Plateau State Government to launch an immediate manhunt for the perpetrators and strengthen security across vulnerable communities in the area.

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“We call on security agencies and the Plateau State Government to immediately go after the perpetrators of this attack and ensure they are arrested and brought to justice,” the association stated.

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The group also urged authorities to dismantle criminal hideouts allegedly operating within the area and reiterated its call for a ban on open grazing, arguing that the practice had been exploited by criminal elements.

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“The continuous killing of innocent citizens is unacceptable. Those responsible must face justice,” the statement added.

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Efforts to get confirmation from the Plateau State Police Command’s spokesman, SP Alfred Alabo, were not succesful as of the time of filing this report.

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