Plateau State: Two Dead, Homes Ablaze as Gunmen Strike Four Villages

Plateau State has once again been plunged into grief following a series of violent attacks on Berom communities. The assaults, reportedly carried out by gunmen, left two people dead, one injured, and several houses razed. These devastating events unfolded on Tuesday night, affecting at least four distinct locations: Gwa-Wereng Rim, Kyeng Village in Bachi District, Dorong, and Jol Village.

Confirmation of these fatalities came on Wednesday from the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), via a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong. According to the BYM, armed assailants targeted Gwa-Wereng Rim, where they killed Bulus Mwagwong, also known as Dikko. His cousin, Yakubu, sustained severe injuries during the same attack. The statement further detailed the death of 47-year-old Stephen Dachollom Kaze, who was reportedly murdered by suspected attackers around 8:30 p.m. in Kyeng Village, Bachi District.

Lyop Gabriel, a local resident from one of the affected areas, recounted that the assault on Gwa-Wereng Rim began approximately 9:30 p.m., when gunmen allegedly stormed the community and indiscriminately shot at inhabitants. The BYM statement also highlighted another incident in Dorong, where assailants reportedly set homes on fire, leading to extensive property damage and prompting residents to abandon their dwellings in terror. In Jol Village, the association reported that armed groups clashed with local vigilantes in a shootout, which significantly intensified the already palpable tension within the community.

Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, the National President of the BYM, corroborated the reports of the killings and vociferously condemned the violence. He characterized these attacks as “a disturbing threat to the lives, livelihoods and safety of rural communities.” The BYM voiced profound concern regarding the escalating regularity of such attacks on communities, particularly affecting farmers and other residents whose sustenance relies heavily on their agricultural activities.

To address the crisis, the association specifically urged “security agencies to immediately strengthen their presence in vulnerable communities, intensify surveillance and pursue those responsible for the attacks.” It additionally implored security agencies “to ensure that perpetrators of the killings and destruction were arrested and brought to justice.” Furthermore, the BYM appealed to both 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.”

The 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.” Finally, it “called for urgent and decisive security action to protect lives and property and restore confidence among residents of the affected communities.”

Efforts to reach Alabo Alfred, the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, for comments on these incidents proved futile, as his mobile phone was reportedly switched off.