Gunmen kill former councillor in Plateau community
Gunmen on motorbikes reportedly killed a former councillor of Rim Ward, Daniel Danjuma Chong, popularly known as ‘Hon. Star’—in the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday night.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:45 pm in Torok Village, within the Rim Community.
A local resident, Cynthia Dung, confirmed the attack, explaining that the assault threw the entire community into panic as residents fled for safety amidst 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. It was a terrifying experience, and the community is still in shock,” she said.
She added that another resident, Mr David Dachollom Danjuma, sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and is currently receiving treatment.
Reacting to the incident, the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) condemned the killing and called on security agencies to apprehend those responsible.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, the association described the attack as another disturbing assault on innocent residents in the area. According to the group, the attackers stormed the community under the cover of darkness and opened fire, killing the former councillor before fleeing the scene.
”We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and the people of Torok Community, and we wish David Dachollom Danjuma a speedy recovery,” the statement read.
The BYM called on security agencies and the Plateau State Government to launch an immediate manhunt for the perpetrators and strengthen security across vulnerable communities.
”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 continuous killing of innocent citizens is unacceptable,” the association added.
The group also urged authorities to dismantle criminal hideouts operating within the area and reiterated its call for a ban on open grazing, arguing that the practice has been exploited by criminal elements.
Efforts to obtain confirmation from the Plateau State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful prior to publication.
