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From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Three vigilantes from the same family have been shot dead by suspected gunmen in Tarai community, Jol District of Riyom Local Government,Plateau State, in the latest wave of violence to hit the area.
The victims were reportedly killed while on patrol as members of a joint community vigilante team protecting residents against recurring attacks.
The latest incident occurred less than 48 hours after two security operatives were killed in a suspected ambush by gunmen during a joint security patrol along the Ganawuri–Sabon Gida Road in the same Riyom LG.
Sources said the attack occurred at about 10:47 p.m. on Tuesday when the assailants stormed the community under the cover of darkness and opened fire on the local security volunteers keeping vigil.
The deceased were identified as Dachung Danjuma, 52; Victor Danjuma, 37; and Nyam Danjuma, 35. The three brothers reportedly died on the spot after sustaining gunshot wounds.
Confirming the incident, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, said the attackers specifically targeted members of the local vigilante team guarding the community.
He described the killing of the three brothers as heartbreaking, lamenting the continued attacks on communities in Riyom and other parts of Plateau State despite repeated calls for improved security.
⁸Tengwong urged security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and ensure those responsible for the killings are brought to justice, stressing that residents could no longer live under the constant threat of attacks.
A resident of the community, Lyop Bitrus, said the incident had thrown the entire community into mourning.
“We are all devastated. The three brothers were part of the neighbourhood watch team trying to protect us from these senseless attacks.
“It is particularly painful for the family of Victor Danjuma, who was married with five children. Their family and the entire Riyom community are grieving.
“They had planned to return home this week after relative calm was restored, but Tuesday night’s attack claimed Victor’s life before the family could reunite,” Bitrus said.
He added that Victor’s wife and their five children had fled the community two weeks earlier following an attack on the neighbouring Tan Jol community.
