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From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
At least seven people were killed in attacks by gunmen in communities across Barkin Ladi, Mangu and Riyom local government areas of Plateau State on Friday, despite a curfew imposed by the state government.
A woman was reportedly killed in Ntul village, Mangu, while two young men were killed in Burdinga village, Gashish District, Barkin Ladi. Later, four members of a local vigilante group were killed in Shurum village, near Dorowa Babuje, in Ropp District, Barkin Ladi. The vigilantes were reportedly attacked around 11.56 pm while on duty.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the killings to journalists.
“We received information about the various attacks and I can confirm that about seven people were killed by the gunmen,” he said.
Tengwong condemned the killings and urged security agencies to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Our people cannot continue to live in fear while those volunteering to protect their communities are being attacked and killed,” he said, calling for stronger security in the affected communities.
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A resident, Bulus Bature, said the vigilantes were shot at close range while guarding the community.
“It is painful that people who volunteered to protect their community could be attacked and killed while carrying out their duty,” he said.
The latest attacks came a day after security personnel reportedly foiled an ambush on a staff member of Eliztor Private School in Barkin Ladi and his son along the Dorowa Babuje road.
The victims, identified as Gyang Luka and his son, are residents of Fan District. They were reportedly travelling on a motorcycle on Thursday when suspected bandits ambushed them.
A suspect was arrested and an AK-47 rifle recovered following the incident.
The BYM commended Operation Enduring Peace personnel for their response, saying their intervention prevented further casualties.
