Three members of the same family serving as local vigilantes have been killed after suspected armed assailants attacked them during a routine community patrol in Riyom Local Government Area, deepening security concerns in the area.
The attack occurred at about 10:47 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in Tarai community, Jol district, barely 24 hours after two security personnel were reportedly killed in another incident within Riyom Local Government Area.
According to community sources, the gunmen stormed the area under the cover of darkness and opened fire on members of the local vigilante team who were keeping watch to protect residents against possible attacks.
The victims were identified as Dachung Danjuma, 51, Victor Danjuma, 37, and Nyam Danjuma, 35.
The three men, who were biological brothers, were reportedly killed at the scene, leaving their family and the entire community in mourning.
A resident of the community, Lyop Bitrus, said the brothers had embarked on their routine night patrol when they were ambushed by the attackers.
“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,” Bitrus said.
The spokesperson for the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the incident, stating that the attackers specifically targeted members of the local vigilante group guarding Tarai community.
Describing the killings as heartbreaking, Tengwong lamented the persistent wave of violence affecting communities in Riyom and other parts of Plateau State despite repeated appeals for stronger security measures.
He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities, prevent further attacks, and ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
The latest attack has heightened fears among residents, many of whom say they continue to live under the constant threat of armed violence.
The incident also underscores the growing risks faced by community vigilante groups, who often work alongside security agencies to safeguard rural communities from recurring attacks.
