By Golok Nanmwa, Jos
Three persons have been killed after suspected gunmen attacked Torok community in Rim Village of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, sparking renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in the area.
The attack, which occurred at about 7 p.m. on Wednesday, threw the community into mourning as residents fled for safety.
The victims were identified as Ezekiel Zakka, David Yakubu and Dauda Habila.
A resident of the community, Albert Tok, told Vanguard that the assailants stormed the community and opened fire on residents before fleeing the scene.
The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) condemned the killings, describing the attack as barbaric and calling on security agencies to immediately arrest those responsible.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, on behalf of the National President, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, the association expressed condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Torok community and the entire Berom nation.
The group described the latest attack as another painful reminder of the persistent insecurity confronting Berom communities, lamenting that innocent citizens continued to lose their lives while perpetrators allegedly escaped justice.
BYM urged security agencies to launch a comprehensive manhunt for the attackers and ensure that they were arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The association also called on the Plateau State Government and the Federal Government to move beyond routine condemnations by adopting concrete measures to protect vulnerable communities across Riyom Local Government Area and other parts of the state.
According to the group, such measures should include improved intelligence gathering, sustained deployment of security personnel to identified flashpoints and the dismantling of criminal hideouts allegedly used to launch attacks.
BYM further appealed to residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information, and continue to conduct themselves within the confines of the law.
It reiterated that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to life and security, pledging to continue advocating for justice for the victims, the arrest and prosecution of the attackers, and lasting peace across Berom communities.
