3 Brothers Killed During Night Attack in Plateau Community

(Plateau Map. Photo by Vanguard News)

Three members of the same family were killed after being ambushed by suspected gunmen while on community watch in Tarai community, Jol village, Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State.

The attack took place around 10:47 p.m. on Tuesday, when the assailants reportedly invaded the hamlet and opened fire on local security volunteers who were standing guard to safeguard residents from potential attacks.

The victims were named as Dachung Danjuma (51), Victor Danjuma (37), and Nyam Danjuma (35).

The three biological brothers were alleged to be killed on the spot during the attack, devastating their family and town.

Lyop Bitrus, a community member, told Vanguard that the brothers were on a usual night patrol when they were ambushed, causing fear in the neighborhood as residents fled for safety.

"They were keeping an eye on the community when the gunmen suddenly attacked them." Unfortunately, all three brothers died on the scene. "They gave up their lives to protect the community," Lyop stated.

The tragedy was especially hard for Victor Danjuma's family, who was married and had five children.

According to residents, his wife and children fled the neighborhood two weeks ago after an attack on the neighboring Tan Jol hamlet.

They had planned to return home this week, once relative calm had been restored, but Victor was killed in an attack on Tuesday night, before the family could reconnect.

Mr. Rwang Tengwong, spokesperson for the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), verified the event, stating the attackers entered the Tarai settlement in Jol village under cover of darkness and targeted the local vigilante squad defending the region.

Tengwong called the killing of the three brothers as devastating, bemoaning the ongoing attacks on villages in Riyom and other parts of Plateau State, despite repeated calls for better security.

He encouraged security authorities to step up measures to safeguard vulnerable areas and bring the criminals to justice, emphasizing that inhabitants could no longer live under constant threat of assault.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from security authorities were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.