Gunmen kill nine family members, two-month-old baby in fresh Plateau attack

Gunmen kill nine family members, two-month-old baby in fresh Plateau attack

Fresh violence has rocked Plateau State after suspected gunmen killed nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, during a deadly overnight attack on Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area.

The attack, described by residents as one of the deadliest assaults on the communities in recent months, reportedly began at about 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and lasted for more than an hour. The attackers, who reportedly operated in large numbers, stormed the communities under the cover of darkness, firing indiscriminately and forcing terrified residents to flee into nearby bushes.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen moved from house to house, attacking helpless residents and leaving a trail of death and destruction. Among those killed were nine members of one family, including a two-month-old infant, in what residents described as a heartbreaking massacre.

A resident, Precious Tok, said the attackers invaded homes without resistance and carried out the killings while many victims were asleep.

“The gunmen came in large numbers, shooting everywhere. We could hear screams from the houses. They entered homes and slaughtered people. It was one of the deadliest attacks we have seen here in recent times,” the resident said.

Another resident, who asked not to be identified, said the victims had no opportunity to escape.

“Even a two-month-old baby was not spared. We ran into the bush for safety and only returned in the morning to see the bodies. We buried our children with our own hands. We are tired of these repeated attacks,” the resident lamented.

The attack also left the village head critically injured after he was reportedly shot by the assailants. He was rushed to a hospital, where he is receiving treatment.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident, saying the attackers struck while residents were asleep and unleashed violence on defenceless villagers.

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According to him, the attack completely wiped out one family, including the father, mother and their children, while several other residents sustained injuries.

Tengwong described the killings as another tragic reminder of the worsening insecurity confronting communities in Riyom Local Government Area and other parts of Plateau State.

He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible, stressing that communities have continued to suffer repeated attacks despite the presence of security personnel in the state.

The latest attack has thrown Kum and Wereng-Camp into mourning, with grieving families calling on the Federal Government, the Plateau State Government and security agencies to strengthen security around vulnerable communities and prevent further bloodshed.

Residents said the recurring attacks have displaced many families, disrupted farming activities and heightened fears among communities that depend largely on agriculture for their livelihoods.

Following the latest assault, security personnel were deployed to the affected communities to restore calm and prevent further violence, while local authorities commenced efforts to assess the extent of the destruction and provide support for affected families.

As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the attack, although community leaders said security agencies had been notified immediately after the incident.

The fresh killings come amid persistent security challenges in Plateau State, where several communities have experienced repeated attacks in recent years, resulting in hundreds of deaths, displacement of residents and destruction of homes and farmlands.

Despite ongoing military and security operations across parts of the state, residents have continued to demand stronger intelligence gathering, increased deployment of security personnel and decisive measures to dismantle armed groups responsible for the recurring violence.

Community leaders, civil society organisations and religious groups have also renewed calls for lasting peace initiatives, justice for victims and improved protection for rural communities vulnerable to attacks.

The latest tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for sustained security interventions and closer collaboration among government, security agencies and local communities to end the cycle of violence and restore lasting peace in Plateau State.

Gunmen kill nine family members, two-month-old baby in fresh Plateau attack