Nine family members killed in fresh Plateau attack

Gunmen struck Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing nine members of the same family.

Among the victims of the attack, which began at about 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and lasted for more than one hour, was a two-month-old baby, while the village head was critically wounded.

A resident, Precious Tok, who described the incident as one of the deadliest witnessed in the area in recent times, told newsmen that the victims were murdered in their home during the coordinated attack.

According to him, the gunmen invaded the communities in large numbers, shooting sporadically and forcing terrified residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, who confirmed the attack, said the assailants struck under the cover of darkness and unleashed violence on helpless residents.

He said the attack wiped out nine members of one family, including a two-month-old infant, while the village head sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

Tengwong said security agencies had been alerted and expressed hope that the perpetrators would be apprehended and brought to justice.

The publicity secretary said terrified residents remained displaced and were taking refuge with their kin in neighbouring villages.

He urged the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government to strengthen security across Riyom and other vulnerable communities to halt the recurring attacks.

Although the police are yet to speak on the incident, our correspondent gathered from security sources that personnel had been deployed to the affected communities.