Gunmen attacked some mourners in the Rim community of Plateau State and amputated one of the victims.
It was gathered that the mourners were returning from a burial in the neighbouring Bachit community on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 when the gunmen who blocked the road shot at them.
The Liaison Officer to Plateau Governor for Riyom State Constituency, Timothy Dantong, who was among the mourners who escaped the attack, confirmed the incident to Punch in Jos, the state capital, on Thursday, July 3.
He added that an armoured tank sent by security operatives eventually arrived in the community and rescued him and the stranded mourners.
“Yesterday, I went for a burial in my village in Bachit. While retiring, there was an attack by gunmen in the neighbouring Rim community and we were advised to stop on the way because we had to pass through Rim,” he said.
“So, we were forced to stay there for more than five hours for the road to clear and some people who couldn’t wait and wanted to cross the road were shot on the way by the gunmen, whom we know as the Fulani militia.
“One youth was shot and his hand was amputated completely. It was an armoured tank that eventually came to our rescue and evacuated us on the road where we were stranded.
“Even this morning (Thursday), the gunmen came out again and blocked the road at Wereng community and attacked some villagers on a bike.
“So, I don’t know what the Fulani militia wants from our people. My village is under siege because they are caged in a place where they can’t come out.”
The governor’s aide also confirmed an attack by gunmen at the country home of a former Minister of Sports, Damishi Sango, in Riyom community.
Dantong called on the security agents to intensify efforts against the attackers to stop them from carrying out their agenda on innocent citizens and communities in the state.
In a similar development, gunmen suspected to be herdsmen k!lled two persons, Mr. Gyang Mwanti (pictured) and Miss Precious Benjamin in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims were ambushed and m8rdered by yet-to-be-identified gunmen on their way back from Barkin Ladi last weekend.
Speaking at the burial service on July 1, the Chairman of Riyom Council, Hon. Bature Sati Shuwa, expressed deep sorrow over the gruesome k!lling.
Shuwa described the incident as “heart-wrenching, barbaric, and an attack on the peace-loving people of Riyom.”
He noted with pain that Mr. Gyang Mwanti was a vibrant and committed citizen who played a crucial role in securing the Jol community from frequent attacks, stating that his contribution to community vigilance and local security efforts made him a pillar of hope in the face of insecurity.
“Mr. Gyang was not just a peace advocate; he was actively involved in efforts to keep his people safe. His death is a huge blow to the entire Jol community and the local security architecture,” the Chairman said.
Hon. Bature also lamented the killing of little Miss Precious Benjamin, whose young life was cut short in a senseless act of violence.
“That a child would be a victim of such cruelty speaks volumes about the level of evil being unleashed on our people. It is devastating and unacceptable,” he added.
The Chairman called on security agencies to swiftly investigate the attack and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
