Fresh Plateau attack leaves two dead, one missing as tensions escalate

Fresh violence has rocked Plateau State after gunmen attacked Kum community in Riyom Local Government Area, killing two residents and leaving another missing.

The attack, which happened around 3 a.m. on Thursday, caught residents off guard as the assailants reportedly stormed the area and opened fire while people were asleep, triggering panic and confusion.

Confirming the incident, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, said local vigilantes had launched a search for the missing person.

“The attackers invaded the community in the early hours while residents were asleep,” he said.

The incident adds to rising tension across Riyom LGA, where communities are already grappling with the destruction of farmlands allegedly by suspected herders in nearby Jol.

The association’s president, Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, described the situation as worsening and warned of deeper consequences if urgent action is not taken.

“The seized cattle represent only a fraction of those involved and cannot compensate for even half of the losses suffered by the affected farmers,” the group stated.

According to BYM, more than 50 hectares of irrigation farmland were destroyed within days, crippling livelihoods and raising fears over food security in the area.

The group has demanded a halt to grazing activities in affected communities and called for compensation, stronger security presence, and decisive government action.

“The community’s patience is being severely tested… we cannot guarantee sustained calm if these injustices persist unchecked.”