A fresh wave of violence has once again shaken Nigeria’s Plateau State after suspected gunmen launched a deadly evening attack on Torok community in Riyom Local Government Area, killing three residents and forcing terrified families to flee their homes.
The latest bloodshed, which occurred at about 7 p.m. on Wednesday, has heightened fears among local communities and renewed calls for urgent action to end the cycle of attacks that has continued to claim lives across parts of the state.
The victims were identified as Ezekiel Zakka, David Yakubu and Dauda Habila. According to residents, the attackers stormed the community unexpectedly and opened fire, creating panic as people ran in different directions in search of safety. The assailants reportedly escaped before security operatives arrived.
A community resident, Albert Tok, said the attack threw the entire area into confusion, with families mourning the loss of loved ones while many others abandoned their homes out of fear of further violence.
Reacting to the incident, the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) strongly condemned the killings, describing them as a cruel assault on innocent civilians. In a statement signed by the association’s National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, on behalf of its National President, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, the group extended condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Torok community and the wider Berom community.
The association said the latest attack is another painful reminder of the persistent insecurity confronting communities in Plateau State, stressing that repeated attacks continue to leave families devastated while those responsible are often not brought to justice.
BYM urged security agencies to immediately launch a comprehensive manhunt for the attackers, arrest everyone connected to the assault and ensure they are prosecuted in accordance with the law. It also called on the Plateau State Government and the Federal Government to move beyond routine condemnations by implementing stronger security measures capable of preventing future attacks.
Among the measures recommended by the association are improved intelligence gathering, sustained deployment of security personnel to vulnerable communities, quicker emergency response to distress calls and the dismantling of criminal hideouts believed to be used by armed groups operating in the area.
The group further appealed to residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information, and continue to conduct themselves peacefully despite the growing security concerns.
The latest attack adds to the security challenges facing Plateau State and is expected to intensify calls for stronger government intervention as communities continue to demand lasting peace, justice for victims and better protection of lives and property.
