Terrorists have killed two persons, injured one, and set houses ablaze in fresh attacks on Berom communities in Plateau State.
According to reports, the attacks took place on Tuesday night in at least four locations: Gwa-Wereng Rim, Kyeng Village in Bachi District, Dorong, and Jol Village.
The Berom Youth Moulders Association acknowledged the killings in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong.
According to the association, gunmen stormed Gwa-Wereng Rim, killing Bulus Mwagwong, also known as Dikko, and injuring his relative Yakubu fatally.
The statement added that “47-year-old Stephen Dachollom Kaze was also killed by suspected attackers at Kyeng Village, Bachi District, at about 8:30 p.m.”
According to Lyop Gabriel, a resident of the affected area, she said the attack at Gwa-Wereng Rim “occurred at about 9:30 p.m., when terrorists reportedly invaded the community and opened fire on residents”.
According to the BYM statement, “another attack was recorded at Dorong, where attackers allegedly set houses ablaze, causing destruction of property and forcing residents to flee in fear.”
At Jol Village, the association noted, “Armed attackers reportedly engaged local vigilantes in an exchange of gunfire, further heightening tension in the community.”
The National President of the BYM, Dalyop Mwantiri, who also confirmed the killings, condemned the attacks, describing them as “a disturbing threat to the lives, livelihoods, and safety of rural communities”.
The association raised concerns about the rising frequency of attacks on communities, particularly farmers and other citizens who rely on farmlands for a living.
The BYM “called on security agencies to immediately strengthen their presence in vulnerable communities, intensify surveillance, and pursue those responsible for the attacks.”
It also charged security agencies “to ensure that perpetrators of the killings and destruction were arrested and brought to justice”.
The association also appealed to 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”.
“Extended its condolences to the families of Mwagwong and Kaze, while wishing Yakubu a speedy recovery,” it stated.
