Three brothers serving as local vigilantes have been killed by gunmen while on a routine patrol to protect their community from recurring attacks in Plateau State.
The victims were ambushed during a night surveillance operation in Tarai community, Jol District of Riyom Local Government Area, where they were helping to safeguard residents against persistent attacks.
They were identified as Dachung Danjuma, 51, Victor Danjuma, 37, and Nyam Danjuma, 35, all of whom died at the scene.
According to a resident, Lyop Bitrus, who disclosed the incident on Wednesday, the brothers were on duty protecting the community when the gunmen struck unexpectedly at about 10:47 p.m. yesterday.
“They were keeping watch over the community when the gunmen suddenly attacked them. Sadly, the three brothers were killed on the spot. They sacrificed their lives while protecting the community,” Bitrus said.
Bitrus also disclosed that his family had fled their home after a recent attack on a neighbouring community and had only begun making plans to return following signs of improved security.
The spokesperson for the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, condemned the attack, alleging that the assailants deliberately targeted members of the local vigilante group.
He described the killings as heartbreaking and lamented the persistent wave of violence affecting communities in Riyom and other parts of Plateau State despite repeated calls for stronger security intervention.
Tengwong urged security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and ensure those responsible for the attack are arrested and prosecuted.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.