Gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits on Friday, invaded the Dyan community in Rim Village of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a 32-year-old pregnant woman, Mrs Happiness Pam, and a 24-year-old man identified as Daniel Luka.
National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, BYM, Rwang Tengwong, who confirmed the attack in a statement on Saturday, said the assailants stormed the village at about 10 p.m. and opened fire indiscriminately, killing the victims and throwing the residents into mourning.
Tengwong, who condemned the killings, described the attack as gruesome and unacceptable.
The BYM spokesman stated that the association received reports of the incident with shock and sadness, noting that such attacks have continued to occur in Riyom and other parts of the state.
“It is heartbreaking that a pregnant woman carrying the hope of a family and an innocent young man with a promising future became victims of yet another senseless act of violence,” Tengwong said in the statement.
“These killings represent not only an attack on individuals but also an assault on the collective peace, security and humanity of our people,” he added.
While extending the Association’s condolences to the families of the deceased and the community, the BYM called on security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.
“BYM also urges the Federal Government and the Plateau State government to take proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities in the state as the violence being visited on rural people is becoming one too many,” Tengwong said.
BYM advised residents to remain vigilant and, where possible, avoid late-night journeys along vulnerable routes, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting lawful efforts to restore peace and security across the state.
The Plateau State Police Command had yet to release a statement on the attack as of the time of filing this report.
