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From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Gunmen have attacked Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government, Plateau State, killing nine members of the same family.
Among those killed was a two-month-old baby, while the village head sustained critical injuries during the attack, which began by 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and lasted more than one hour.
A resident, Precious Tok, described the incident as one of the deadliest witnessed in the area in recent times. He said the victims were murdered inside their home during the coordinated attack.
According to him, the attackers invaded the communities in large numbers, shooting indiscriminately, forcing terrified residents to flee into nearby bushes.
National publicity secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident in a statement.
He said the attackers struck under the cover of darkness, killing nine members of one family, including a two-month-old infant, while the village head, Pam Yohanna, sustained life-threatening injuries.
Those killed were identified as Celina James, 38; Yohanna James; Janet Yohanna, 18; Baby Jennifer Yohanna, two months; Sele James, 18; Melody James, 16; Reto James, 10; Endurance James, 8; and Peace James, 3.
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The association said the attack began around 11 p.m. on Saturday and continued into the early hours of Sunday.
It described the massacre as another painful reminder of the recurring attacks on communities across Plateau State and other parts of North-Central Nigeria.
The association called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities, dismantle terrorist hideouts, arrest and prosecute those responsible, and provide humanitarian support for displaced persons.
It also appealed to the international community, including the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, European Union, the United States and international human rights organisations, to pay urgent attention to the worsening humanitarian and security situation in North-Central Nigeria.
Tengwong urged authorities to stop ignoring the bloodshed, insisting that innocent citizens deserved protection, justice and lasting peace.
He expressed hope that security agencies would apprehend those behind the attack.
Residents displaced by the violence have reportedly taken refuge in neighbouring communities.
Although the Plateau State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement, security sources confirmed that personnel had been deployed to the affected communities.
