At least two people have been killed, another injured and several houses reportedly burnt after gunmen attacked four Berom communities in Plateau State.
The incidents occurred on Tuesday night in Gwa-Wereng Rim, Kyeng Village in Bachi District, Dorong and Jol Village, according to the Berom Youth Moulders-Association.
The association confirmed the attacks in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong.
It said one of the victims, Bulus Mwagwong, popularly known as Dikko, was killed when gunmen invaded Gwa-Wereng Rim, while his cousin, Yakubu, sustained serious injuries.
The group also identified 47-year-old Stephen Dachollom Kaze as another victim, saying he was killed by suspected attackers at Kyeng Village, Bachi District, around 8:30pm.
A resident, Lyop Gabriel, said the assault on Gwa-Wereng Rim occurred at about 9:30pm when the attackers allegedly stormed the community and opened fire.
The association said Dorong also came under attack, with the assailants allegedly setting houses ablaze and destroying property, forcing residents to flee.
At Jol Village, armed men reportedly engaged local vigilantes in a gun battle, further escalating tension in the area.
The National President of the BYM, Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, condemned the attacks, describing them as a serious threat to the safety and livelihoods of residents of rural communities.
The association expressed concern over the alleged increasing attacks on communities, particularly farmers whose livelihoods depend largely on agriculture.
It called on security agencies to reinforce their presence in vulnerable communities, intensify surveillance and arrest those responsible for the attacks.
The group further urged the authorities to ensure that the perpetrators were prosecuted, while appealing to the Plateau State Government to provide urgent assistance to affected families.
It commiserated with the families of Mwagwong and Kaze and wished the injured Yakubu a speedy recovery.
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The BYM also urged residents to remain vigilant and peaceful, warning that concerted efforts were needed to prevent further escalation of violence.
Meanwhile, attempts to obtain the reaction of the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful. Its spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, could not be reached as his telephone was reportedly switched off.
