Three members of the same family serving as local vigilantes have been killed after suspected gunmen attacked them while they were on community watch in Tarai community, Jol District of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The incident occurred around 10:47 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, barely a day after two security personnel were killed in a separate attack in Riyom.
According to reports, the assailants stormed the community and opened fire on the local security volunteers who were on routine night patrol to protect residents from possible attacks.
The victims were identified as Dachung Danjuma, 51; Victor Danjuma, 37; and Nyam Danjuma, 35.
The three biological brothers were reportedly killed on the spot, leaving their family and the community in mourning.
A community member, Lyop Bitrus, said the brothers were carrying out their usual patrol when they were ambushed by the attackers, causing panic as residents fled 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,” Bitrus said.
The spokesperson of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the incident, stating that the attackers struck under the cover of darkness and specifically targeted the local vigilante team guarding the area.
Tengwong described the killings as heartbreaking and lamented the continued wave of attacks on communities in Riyom and other parts of Plateau State despite repeated calls for improved security.
He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and ensure those responsible for the attack are brought to justice, stressing that residents should not have to live under the constant threat of violence.