Three biological brothers serving as local vigilantes have been killed by suspected gunmen during a night patrol in Tarai community, Jol district of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims were identified as Dachung Danjuma, 51, Victor Danjuma, 37, and Nyam Danjuma, 35.
The attack reportedly occurred around 10:47 p.m. on Tuesday when the assailants stormed the community and opened fire on the vigilantes.
A resident, Lyop Bitrus, said the brothers were on routine patrol to protect the community when they were ambushed and killed.
“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.
The incident has thrown the community into mourning. Residents described the killings as one of the most painful attacks in recent months.
Victor Danjuma is survived by his wife and five children. His family had reportedly fled Tarai two weeks earlier after an attack on the neighbouring Tan Jol community and was planning to return before the latest violence.
The spokesperson for the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attack, saying the gunmen deliberately targeted members of the local vigilante team.
He described the killings as another sign of worsening insecurity in Riyom and called on security agencies to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities.
“Residents can no longer continue to live under the constant threat of attacks. Security agencies must intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” Tengwong said.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Community leaders have again called for urgent government action to end the recurring attacks in Plateau State
