Gunmen Kill Nine Members of Same Family In Plateau

Suspected gunmen have killed no fewer than nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, during a fresh attack on Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack reportedly started at about 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and lasted for over an hour.

The village head of the community also sustained critical injuries after he was allegedly attacked by the assailants.

A resident, Precious Tok, said the victims were slaughtered inside their home during the coordinated assault, describing the incident as one of the deadliest attacks witnessed in the area in recent times.

Tok said the attackers stormed the communities in large numbers, firing indiscriminately and forcing frightened residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, who confirmed the attack, said the gunmen struck under the cover of darkness and unleashed violence on defenceless residents.

According to him, the attack claimed the lives of nine members of a single family, including a two-month-old infant, while the village head suffered life-threatening injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

He added that security agencies had been notified of the incident and expressed hope that those responsible would be arrested and prosecuted.

The latest attack has plunged the affected communities into mourning, with residents calling on the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government to reinforce security across Riyom and other vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks.