In a fresh wave of violence, armed gunmen attacked four Berom communities in Plateau State on Tuesday night, leaving two dead, one critically injured, and several houses reduced to ashes.
The attacks, which unfolded across Gwa-Wereng Rim, Kyeng Village in Bachi District, Dorong, and Jol Village, have sent shockwaves through the rural communities, compounding the region’s long-standing security crisis.
‘They Came With Fire and Bullets’
The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) confirmed the bloody assault in a statement on Wednesday, revealing that Bulus Mwagwong, popularly known as Dikko, was shot dead at Gwa-Wereng Rim, while his cousin, Yakubu, sustained fatal injuries.
In a separate attack at Kyeng Village, Bachi District, 47-year-old Stephen Dachollom Kaze was killed around 8:30 p.m.
Resident Lyop Gabriel described the horror: “The attack at Gwa-Wereng Rim occurred at about 9:30 p.m., when gunmen invaded the community and opened fire on residents without warning.”
Homes Torched, Vigilantes Engaged
The violence didn’t stop there. At Dorong, attackers set houses ablaze, forcing panicked residents to flee into the night. Meanwhile, Jol Village witnessed a fierce gun battle between armed assailants and local vigilantes, escalating tensions further in the already volatile area.
‘A Disturbing Threat to Rural Lives’
BYM National President, Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, condemned the attacks as “a disturbing threat to the lives, livelihoods and safety of rural communities.”
The association expressed grave concern over the increasing frequency of assaults on farming communities, warning that residents are being stripped of their means of survival.
Urgent Calls for Action
The BYM has issued an urgent appeal to security agencies to:
· Immediately strengthen presence in vulnerable communities
· Intensify surveillance and pursuit of the attackers
· Ensure perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice
The group also called on the Plateau State Government to provide emergency assistance to affected families, particularly those who lost loved ones and homes.
Residents Urged to Stay Vigilant
While extending condolences to the families of Mwagwong and Kaze, and praying for Yakubu’s recovery, the BYM urged residents to remain vigilant, peaceful, and united in the face of terror.
“We need concerted efforts to prevent further escalation of violence,” the statement read.
Police Yet to Respond
Attempts to reach the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, proved futile as his phone was switched off at the time of filing this report.
