Gunmen have killed two people, injured one and set houses ablaze in fresh attacks on Berom communities in Plateau State.
The attacks reportedly occurred on Tuesday night and were recorded in at least four locations, including Gwa-Wereng Rim, Kyeng Village in Bachi District, Dorong and Jol Village.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association confirmed the attacks in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong.
According to the association, gunmen attacked Gwa-Wereng Rim, killing Bulus Mwagwong, popularly known as Dikko, while his cousin, Yakubu, sustained fatal injuries.
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 resident of the affected area, Lyop Gabriel, said 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.”
At Jol Village, the association said “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, who also confirmed the killings, condemned the attacks, describing them as “a disturbing threat to the lives, livelihoods and safety of rural communities.”
The association expressed concern over what it described as the rising frequency of attacks on communities, particularly farmers and other residents who rely on their farmlands for their livelihoods.
BYM “called on security agencies to immediately strengthen their presence in vulnerable communities, intensify surveillance and pursue those responsible for the attacks.”
It also urged the security agencies “to ensure that perpetrators of the killings and destruction were arrested and brought to justice.”
The association 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.”