Three members of a local vigilante group from the same family have been killed after suspected gunmen attacked them while they were on community watch in Tarai community, Jol village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident happened on Tuesday night, August 4, 2026, at about 10:47 p.m., barely 24 hours after two security personnel were reportedly killed in another attack in Riyom.
Sources said the attackers invaded the community under the cover of darkness and opened fire on the local security volunteers who were conducting a routine patrol to protect residents from possible threats.
The victims were identified as Dachung Danjuma, 51; Victor Danjuma, 37; and Nyam Danjuma, 35. They were biological brothers and were reportedly killed at the scene of the attack.
The killings have left the family and residents of the community in mourning, with locals describing the incident as a painful loss for those who knew the victims.
A resident, Lyop Bitrus, said the three brothers were carrying out their regular night watch when they were ambushed by the attackers.
“ 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), Mr. Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the attack, stating that the assailants targeted the vigilante team stationed in Tarai community.
Tengwong described the incident as devastating and expressed concern over the continued attacks on communities in Riyom and other parts of Plateau State.
He called on security agencies to strengthen efforts to protect vulnerable communities and ensure that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.
Residents have continued to appeal for increased security measures, warning that persistent attacks are creating fear and uncertainty among communities across the state.
