A gang of gunmen has killed two members of a local vigilante group following an attack on a Plateau State community, causing massive unrest in the area.
The gang ambushed the community and attacked the victims, 48-year-old Davou Patu and Dalyop Zaram, 38, who were saddled with the responsibility of safeguarding residents in the area from bandits attack, after which they killed the casualties.
The late-night incident which happened yesterday at the Ta-Hoss community in Riyom Local Government was confirmed by a community leader, Livinus Badung, who expressed grief over the death of the two men.
“We have lost two dedicated and selfless individuals who devoted their time and energy to protecting our people,” Badung said on Thursday.
“Their deaths are a painful blow to the entire community.”
He added that residents were struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, noting that the deceased had played significant roles in local security efforts.
Similarly, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, condemned the attack and extended condolences to the bereaved families and residents affected by the incident.
“This is another tragic reminder of the security challenges confronting vulnerable communities.
“We sympathise with the families of the victims and urge authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” Tengwong said.
He further called on security agencies to strengthen measures aimed at protecting lives and property, stressing the need for a more proactive response to recurring attacks on rural communities.
Meanwhile, efforts to obtain an official response from Plateau military authorities were unsuccessful.
The spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycarp Oteh, had not responded to inquiries regarding the incident as of the time of filing this report.