Fresh violence struck Plateau State on Sunday evening, with coordinated attacks on Jol community in Riyom Local Government Area and Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area leaving at least ten dead.
The attacks occurred between roughly 7:15 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., according to local reports.
In Dorowa Babuje (Rob District), gunmen reportedly stormed a relaxation spot at about 7:15 p.m., opening fire indiscriminately on residents.
Eyewitnesses said panic ensued as people scrambled for safety.
Nine persons were killed, and at least two others sustained critical injuries and are receiving medical attention.
The National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Barrister Solomon Dalyop, noted that the assailants were believed to have emerged from the Jong-Wereh area, where they had allegedly camped before the attack. Swift military response reportedly prevented higher casualties.
In Jol community, one person was confirmed dead in a near-simultaneous attack.
Dalyop stated the attackers arrived on motorcycles from the Manga axis despite prior warnings to security agencies.
Personnel of Operation Rainbow, the state security outfit, engaged the assailants, limiting further loss of life.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Movement, Rwang Tengwong, condemned the killings as tragic and devastating.
Captain Chinonso Oteh, spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, confirmed that troops responded promptly, and security has been reinforced in the affected areas.
Investigations are ongoing to track down the perpetrators.
Riyom and surrounding areas have been recurring flashpoints of violence, with farming communities facing cycles of night raids, ambushes, and displacement.
Residents of Jol and Dorowa Babuje remain fearful as families mourn the dead.
Community leaders and youth groups are urging federal and state governments to dismantle suspected camps in surrounding forests, enhance surveillance, and adopt long-term peacebuilding measures rather than solely reactive security operations.
