Tragedy strikes in Plateau as nine relatives and an infant just eight weeks old lose their lives in latest assault

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Village head critically injured

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By Golok Nanmwa

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JOS — No fewer than nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, were reportedly killed in a fresh attack by suspected gunmen on Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State late Saturday night.

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Residents said the attack began at about 11:30 p.m. and lasted for more than an hour, during which the village head of the community was critically injured.

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A resident, Precious Tok, told Vanguard that the victims were killed in their home during the coordinated attack, describing the incident as one of the deadliest in the area in recent times.

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He alleged that the gunmen invaded the communities in large numbers, shooting indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.

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The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, who also confirmed the incident, said the attackers struck under the cover of darkness and targeted helpless residents.

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According to him, the attack claimed the lives of nine members of one family, including a two-month-old infant, while the village head sustained severe injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

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He said security agencies had been notified and expressed hope that those responsible would be apprehended and brought to justice.

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The incident has thrown the affected communities into mourning, with residents calling on the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government to strengthen security in Riyom and other vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks.

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As of the time of filing this report, security personnel had reportedly been deployed to the affected communities, while many residents remained displaced and fearful of further attacks.

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Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

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