Three vigilantes from the same family have been killed after suspected gunmen attacked them while they were on community watch in the Tarai community, Jol village of Riyom Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

This comes a day after two security personnel were killed in Riyom LGA.

The attack occurred at about 10:47 p.m on Tuesday, when the assailants reportedly stormed the community and opened fire on the local security volunteers, who were keeping vigil to protect residents from possible attacks.

The victims were identified as Dachung Danjuma, 51; Victor Danjuma, 37; and Nyam Danjuma, 35.

The victims, who were biological brothers, were said to have been killed on the spot during the attack, leaving their family and the community devastated.

A member of the community, Lyop Bitrus, told journalists that the brothers were on routine night patrol when the gunmen ambushed them, throwing the community into panic as residents fled their homes for safety.

“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. The tragedy was particularly painful for the family of Victor Danjuma, who was married with five children,” Lyop said.

The spokesperson of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Mr. Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident, saying the attackers invaded Tarai community in Jol village under the cover of darkness and targeted the local vigilante team guarding the area.

Tengwong described the killing of the victims as heartbreaking, lamenting the continued attacks on communities in Riyom and other parts of Plateau State despite repeated appeals for improved security.

He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that residents could no longer continue to live under the constant threat of attacks.

spokespersons of the State Police Command and Operation Enduring Peace, SP Alabo Alfred and Captain Polycarp Oteh, had yet to respond to inquiries from our correspondent as of the time of filing this report. (Daily Trust)