A woman has been killed in a suspected bandit attack in Batok 2 Village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, despite intensified military operations aimed at containing renewed violence in vulnerable communities.
The victim, identified as Helen John, was reportedly attacked as troops of Sector 6 of Operation ENDURING PEACE responded to reports of sporadic gunfire in the community.
On Saturday, security sources said troops immediately moved into the area at about 9pm and conducted a search of the general vicinity, where they discovered the body of the woman.
Preliminary findings indicated that the attackers allegedly laid an ambush and concealed themselves inside a maize farm close to the victim’s residence before striking while she was carrying out household chores.
The circumstances surrounding the attack were still being investigated as security forces intensified efforts to identify and arrest those responsible.
After the corpse was subsequently handed over to community leaders for further action, the troops have stepped up patrols and surveillance around Batok 2 and adjoining communities, while troops have launched a manhunt for the suspected attackers.
The killing has triggered renewed security concerns in Riyom, one of the local government areas that has witnessed repeated attacks and violence in Plateau State.
Military authorities have since
Meanwhile, troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have also begun a separate operation to track down those responsible for the death of a man whose corpse was discovered in an isolated area of Bachi Village in Fang District, also in Riyom Local Government Area.
The body of the deceased, identified as Mr Emmanuel David, was discovered on August 27 after troops deployed at Shonong received reports of the incident.
On arriving at the scene, the troops confirmed the identity of the deceased as a native of Fang District.
Community members were said to have subsequently evacuated the corpse from the area.
Preliminary investigations showed that residents had earlier heard gunshots but reportedly assumed they were fired by hunters operating within the community and did not alert security authorities.
The circumstances surrounding David’s death remain unclear, with security forces continuing investigations to determine how he was killed and identify those responsible.
Troops have commenced a manhunt for the perpetrators and intensified surveillance across vulnerable areas of the district to prevent further attacks.