At least nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, were reportedly killed in a late-night attack by suspected gunmen on Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area.
According to residents, the attack began around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and lasted for more than an hour. During the assault, the village head of the community was critically injured.
A resident, Precious Tok, described the incident as one of the deadliest attacks in the area in recent times. He alleged that the attackers stormed the communities in large numbers, firing indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the incident. He said the attackers struck under the cover of darkness and targeted helpless residents.
According to him, the attack claimed the lives of nine members of a single family, including a two-month-old infant, while the village head sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Tengwong said security agencies had been informed of the attack and expressed hope that those responsible would be identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
The incident has left the affected communities in mourning, with residents calling on the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government to strengthen security in Riyom and other vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks.
As of the time of the report, security personnel had reportedly been deployed to the affected communities, while many residents remained displaced and fearful of renewed violence.
The Plateau State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident as of the time the report was filed.
