Gunmen have killed two persons, injured one and set houses ablaze in fresh attacks on Berom communities in Plateau State.

It was gathered that the attacks occurred on Tuesday night and were reported in at least four locations, including Gwa-Wereng Rim, Kyeng Village in Bachi District, Dorong and Jol Village.

The Berom Youth Moulders-Association confirmed the killings in a statement on Wednesday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong.

The association said gunmen attacked Gwa-Wereng Rim, killing Bulus Mwagwong, popularly known as Dikko, while his cousin, Yakubu, was fatally injured.

The statement added that “47-year-old Stephen Dachollom Kaze was also killed by suspected attackers at Kyeng Village, Bachi District, at about 8:30 p.m.”

A resident of the affected area, Lyop Gabriel, said the attack at Gwa-Wereng Rim “occurred at about 9:30 p.m., when gunmen reportedly invaded the community and opened fire on residents.”

According to the BYM statement, “another attack was recorded at Dorong, where attackers allegedly set houses ablaze, causing destruction of property and forcing residents to flee in fear.”

At Jol Village, the association said “armed attackers reportedly engaged local vigilantes in an exchange of gunfire, further heightening tension in the community.”

The National President of the BYM, Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, who also confirmed the killings, condemned the attacks, describing them as “a disturbing threat to the lives, livelihoods and safety of rural communities.”

The association expressed concern over what it described as the increasing frequency of attacks on communities, particularly farmers and other residents who depend on their farmlands for their livelihoods.

BYM “called on security agencies to immediately strengthen their presence in vulnerable communities, intensify surveillance and pursue those responsible for the attacks.”

It also urged the security agencies “to ensure that perpetrators of the killings and destruction were arrested and brought to justice.”

The association further appealed to the Plateau State Government and other relevant authorities “to provide immediate assistance to affected families and communities, particularly those who lost loved ones, homes and other property in the attacks.”

BYM “extended its condolences to the families of Mwagwong and Kaze, while wishing Yakubu a speedy recovery.”

The association “urged residents to remain vigilant, peaceful and united, stressing that concerted efforts were required to prevent further escalation of violence in affected communities.”

It “called for urgent and decisive security action to protect lives and property and restore confidence among residents of the affected communities.”

Contacted, the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, was not immediately available for comment on the killings, as his phone indicated that it was switched off. (The Punch)

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