Six killed, three injured as gunmen lay siege on Plateau communities
Gunmen Attack Communities in Plateau State, Six Confirmed Dead
At least six individuals were killed and three others injured in attacks attributed to gunmen suspected to be Fulani terrorists targeting communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State over the weekend.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) reported the incidents in a statement released Monday, detailing that the assaults occurred on Saturday in Ta-Hoss, Riyom, and in Sabon Layi, Barkin Ladi. A subsequent attack was reported in Kwi district, Riyom, during the early hours of Sunday.
Rwang Tengwong, the National Publicity Secretary for BYM, condemned the attacks as unprovoked and indicative of ongoing terror against Christian communities in the region. He called on security agencies to fulfill their responsibilities and address the violence affecting the Berom population.
“The BYM, led by Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, expresses deep concern over the coordinated attacks by armed Fulani terrorists that resulted in these tragic deaths and injuries,” the statement noted.
The BYM further detailed the events, stating that on Saturday around 2:00 p.m., attackers from the Bangai axis targeted farmers in Rinyan Village, resulting in the death of Hudung Luka, 40, and severe injuries to Ladi Istifanus, 50. That night, additional attacks in Sabon Layi claimed the lives of Sunday, 25, Benjamin James, 33, and Godwin Yakubu, 27. The following morning, Peter Bulus was killed in Kwi Village.
“The ongoing violence is not sporadic but part of a consistent pattern targeting civilians, farmers, and rural communities,” the BYM emphasized. “Such attacks instill fear, displace families, and threaten the livelihoods of the Berom people.”
The organization also expressed alarm over security intelligence indicating that armed Fulani groups may be based in various locations throughout Plateau State, preparing for further assaults.
“In light of this concerning situation, immediate, intelligence-driven security operations are essential to dismantle these camps before more lives are lost. Proactive measures must be taken rather than reactive responses after incidents occur,” the BYM urged.