Gunmen kill ex-councillor in Plateau community

Gunmen killed a former councillor in Plateau State on Sunday night, according to local reports. The victim, Daniel Danjuma Chong, known locally as “Hon. Star,” was shot in Torok village, Rim Community, Riyom Local Government Area. The attack took place around 11:45 p.m., leaving the community in fear and prompting a swift response from local groups condemning the violence. Residents of Torok village described the attack as sudden and violent. A local resident, Mrs. Cynitha Dung, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Online in Jos on Monday. She recounted how the community was thrown into chaos upon hearing sustained gunfire. “We heard heavy gunshots late in the night. Everyone ran for safety. By the time people came out, Hon. Daniel had been shot,” she said. The attack left the community in shock, with many still recovering emotionally from the trauma. Another resident, Mr. David Danjuma, suffered gunshot wounds during the attack and is currently receiving medical treatment. His condition is stable, though details remain unclear. The incident has raised concerns among locals about the growing threat of violence in the region, particularly in areas perceived as vulnerable to such attacks. The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) issued a statement condemning the killing and calling for action against those responsible. In a statement attributed to its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, the group described the attack as part of a pattern of violence targeting innocent civilians. “This is another disturbing assault on residents of Riyom Local Government Area,” the statement read. The BYM extended condolences to the family of the deceased and wished Mr. David Danjuma a quick recovery. The association urged security agencies and the Plateau State government to take immediate steps to identify and arrest the perpetrators. “We call on security agencies and the Plateau State Government to immediately go after the perpetrators of this attack and ensure they are arrested and brought to justice,” the statement emphasized. It also recommended dismantling suspected criminal hideouts in the area and reinforcing security measures in communities deemed at risk. The BYM further highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of laws related to open grazing, which it claims has been exploited by criminal elements. “The continuous killing of innocent citizens is unacceptable. Those responsible must face justice,” the group asserted. This call for stricter law enforcement reflects broader concerns about the role of organized crime in escalating tensions in the region. Efforts to reach officials for comment were unsuccessful. Attempts to contact the Plateau State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, did not yield results as of the time of reporting. This lack of official response has fueled speculation about the effectiveness of local security forces in addressing rising incidents of violence. The attack adds to a troubling trend of targeted killings in Plateau State, raising questions about the underlying causes and potential solutions. While the exact motives behind the assassination remain unclear, the incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by communities in maintaining safety and stability. As investigations continue, the focus will likely shift toward understanding the broader context of these attacks and ensuring accountability for those involved.