At least three people have been killed and several others injured in fresh attacks by suspected gunmen in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Two of the victims, identified as Christian worshippers, were reportedly ambushed and shot dead on Sunday in Gwon community, shortly after attending church and going out for evangelism.
The National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Solomon Dalyop, confirmed the incident in Jos. He lamented the growing insecurity in the area.
“They opened fire and killed two people. After that, there was intense shooting across the community until the Military Taskforce and local vigilantes intervened and forced the attackers to retreat into the hills,” he said.
Dalyop strongly condemned the attacks and urged the government to act swiftly to protect residents in Riyom. He expressed deep frustration at the apparent lack of sufficient security forces in the area, which he believes emboldens the attackers.
“While we were preparing to bury the two victims from Gwon village in Rim, another attack occurred in the neighbouring Bachit community. A man travelling home from Fan to Shonong was shot and killed.
“Before we could finish mourning that loss, Fulani militia struck again, this time at Rim’s community headquarters,” he added.
Dalyop also alleged that the assailants destroyed crops in Jol community and continued issuing threats to residents.
He explained, “The attackers were seen all around Jol community, destroying farmland. They clearly exploited the lack of adequate security personnel. Just two nights ago, they warned villagers they would return—and they did, opening fire indiscriminately.
“This is the reality in Riyom. Only yesterday, they launched yet another attack near a community in Hawan Kibo along the Jos–Abuja Road, seriously injuring one person who was taken to hospital.”
According to Dalyop, the community now lives in constant fear as heavily armed attackers—believed to be Fulani militia and hired mercenaries—roam freely, terrorising villages.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command’s spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, could not be reached, as his phone line was switched off.
However, sources at the Command Headquarters confirmed that additional security personnel had been deployed to the affected communities in an effort to restore calm.