A 25-year-old vigilante officer, Daniel Danladi Choji, has been killed following a fresh attack by gunmen on Tanjol village in Jol District of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Residents disclosed that the attack occurred on Tuesday night after armed men reportedly invaded the community, forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes and rocky areas for safety.
Several residents were also said to have sustained injuries while escaping from the attackers, who were suspected to be armed Fulani bandits.
Attackers stormed communities in groups
The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to him, the attackers invaded Vwak and Tanjol communities in multiple groups and opened fire indiscriminately before security operatives responded.
He explained that the deceased vigilante officer was killed while carrying out patrol duties alongside other security personnel.
“The attackers stormed the Vwak and Tanjol communities in more than five groups, shooting indiscriminately before they were repelled by a combined team of Operation Rainbow and security operatives,” the statement read.
BYM demands urgent action
The youth association condemned the attack and urged the Plateau State Government and security agencies to take urgent measures to prevent further violence in affected communities.
The group also called for restrictions on grazing activities in the area, alleging a connection between grazing movements and recurring attacks within communities in the state.
“We also urged authorities to halt grazing activities in the affected areas as there is a link between such movements and repeated attacks,” Tengwong stated.
The association further demanded intensified military operations in areas suspected to be hideouts for armed groups.
“Failure to act decisively could lead to continued loss of lives in Plateau State and the wider Middle Belt region,” he added.
Killings continue despite promises
Plateau State has witnessed years of violent attacks, communal clashes and armed invasions that have claimed thousands of lives and displaced many residents across different communities.
Despite repeated assurances by successive governments to end the violence, attacks and killings have continued in parts of the state.