Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Fresh attacks on four communities in Plateau State have left two people dead, one injured and several houses destroyed by fire, according to local residents and a community group.
The attacks were reported on Tuesday night in Gwa-Wereng Rim, Kyeng Village in Bachi District, Dorong and Jol Village, all in Berom communities.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) confirmed the incidents in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong.
According to the association, Bulus Mwagwong, popularly known as Dikko, was killed when gunmen attacked Gwa-Wereng Rim. His cousin, Yakubu, sustained injuries and later died.
The group also said 47-year-old Stephen Dachollom Kaze was killed by suspected attackers at Kyeng Village in Bachi District at about 8:30 p.m.
A resident, Lyop Gabriel, said the assault on Gwa-Wereng Rim occurred around 9:30 p.m. when armed men invaded the community and opened fire on residents.
BYM further reported that attackers set houses ablaze in Dorong, destroying property and forcing residents to flee.
At Jol Village, armed assailants reportedly exchanged gunfire with local vigilantes, raising tension in the area.
The National President of BYM, Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, 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 called the growing frequency of attacks on farming communities and urged security agencies to increase surveillance and strengthen security presence in vulnerable areas.
It also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, while appealing to the Plateau State Government and other authorities to provide relief for affected families and communities.
BYM extended condolences to the families of the deceased, wished the injured victim a speedy recovery and urged residents to remain peaceful and vigilant as efforts continue to prevent further violence.
Efforts to obtain a response from the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off at the time of filing this report.
