Three vigilantes from the same family have reportedly been killed after suspected gunmen attacked Tarai community in Jol district of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred around 10:47 p.m. on Tuesday when the attackers allegedly stormed the community and opened fire on local security volunteers conducting a night patrol.
The victims were identified as Dachung Danjuma, 51, Victor Danjuma, 37, and Nyam Danjuma, 35. The three biological brothers were said to have died at the scene.
A community member, Lyop Bitrus, said the brothers were on routine surveillance to safeguard residents when they were ambushed by the gunmen.
“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,” he said.
Residents described the incident as devastating, particularly for the family of Victor Danjuma, who is survived by his wife and five children.
According to community vanguard source, Victor’s wife and children had fled the area following a recent attack on neighbouring Tan Jol community and were preparing to return home after security conditions appeared to improve.
The spokesperson of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attack, stating that the assailants invaded Tarai community under the cover of darkness and targeted members of the local vigilante team.
Tengwong condemned the killing, describing it as heartbreaking, and expressed concern over the persistent attacks on communities in Riyom and other parts of Plateau State despite repeated calls for stronger security measures.
He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and ensure those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Three brothers shot while on vigilante duty in fresh Plateau attack