Bloodshed in Plateau as Gunmen Slaughter Nine in One Family, Including Infant

A recent horrific attack in the Kum Community, located within Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, has resulted in the tragic deaths of nine members of a single family, including an infant aged just two months. Residents who witnessed the incident described a scene of utter terror.

According to Tok, a local inhabitant, the assailants arrived in large numbers, indiscriminately firing shots throughout the community. He recounted hearing screams from houses as the attackers breached homes, resulting in the slaughter of occupants. Tok characterized the event as “one of the deadliest attacks we have seen here in recent times.” He further detailed that “the victims in one house were nine from the same family. Even a two-month-old baby was not spared.” Survivors, he added, “ran into the bush for safety and only returned this morning to see the bodies.”

Another resident, overwhelmed with grief and exasperation, lamented the continuous cycle of violence. “We buried our children with our own hands again. This is too much. Government should come and help us. Every time they attack at night and by morning people are dead. We are tired of running,” the resident pleaded.

In response to this atrocity, the Berom Youths Moulders Association (BYM), Riyom District, released a strong statement, vehemently condemning the “gruesome attack carried out yesterday in Kum Community, Riyom Local Government Area, which reportedly claimed the lives of nine innocent members of the same family.” The association labeled the incident a “barbaric and inhumane act, allegedly perpetrated by suspected Fulani bandits operating from the Fass axis,” emphasizing that it serves as a “painful reminder of the persistent insecurity and senseless bloodshed that has continued to plague our communities.”

The BYM expressed profound sorrow, extending “heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Kum Community, and the entire Riyom Local Government Area.” They asserted that the attack is not merely an assault on the victims' family but also “on the peace, unity, and dignity of our people.” The association declared that “the continuous targeting of innocent and defenseless civilians is unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue.”

Consequently, the BYM called upon “the Federal Government, the Plateau State Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to urgently launch a thorough investigation into this heinous crime, arrest the perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure they are brought to justice without delay.” They stressed that “the repeated attacks on our communities must no longer be met with silence or inadequate responses.” Furthermore, the association urged security agencies “to strengthen security presence across vulnerable communities in Riyom Local Government Area to prevent further loss of innocent lives and restore confidence among our people.”

Reaffirming its commitment, the BYM stated, “The Berom Youths Moulders Association (BYM), Riyom District, remains committed to the pursuit of justice, peace, and the protection of every innocent life.” Concluding their statement, they declared, “We stand in solidarity with the people of Kum Community during this difficult time and pray that God grants eternal rest to the souls of the departed and comfort to their grieving family. Enough is Enough! The bloodshed in Riyom must stop.”