Gunmen opened fire on two vigilantes in Ta-Hoss community Wednesday night. Both men were killed while on patrol around 10 p.m.
Davou Dalyop Patu, 48, and Dalyop Zaram, 38, were well-known members of the local vigilante group. They'd dedicated themselves to protecting their community from threats.
Community leader Livinus Badung confirmed the attack to our reporters. He described the slain men as selfless and deeply committed to their work.
According to Badung, residents are now gripped with fear and grief. The deaths have left Ta-Hoss shaken as people process their loss.
Riyom LGA has struggled with persistent security challenges for months. Rural communities there remain particularly vulnerable to armed gangs and criminal elements.
Rwang Tengwong, National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, expressed deep sorrow over the killings. He extended his sympathies to the families affected.
Tengwong called on security agencies to strengthen protection efforts immediately. He demanded that authorities track down and prosecute those responsible.
He noted that attacks on defenseless communities must stop now. Youth and volunteers deserve better support from government forces, he added.
Captain Polycarp Oteh, who heads Operation Enduring Peace, didn't respond to requests for comment. His office hadn't issued any statement as of yesterday evening.
Security remains precarious across Plateau State's rural zones. Many residents have grown increasingly frustrated with the slow response to violence.
