Gunmen ambush, kill 52-year-old man in Plateau, destroy farmlands

By Kingsley Chukwuka

A 52-year-old man, Joshua Bulus, has been killed in a fresh attack by gunmen in Dyan community of Rim District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The victim was reportedly ambushed and killed by armed attackers who struck near the community before fleeing the scene.

A resident of Rim community, Mrs Christina Gyang, told Vanguard that the deceased was ambushed late Tuesday night, describing the incident as another tragic reminder of the insecurity confronting rural communities in the area.

“Residents are living in fear because these attacks have become too frequent,” she said.

The latest killing came as the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) decried what it described as escalating attacks on communities in Riyom and Barkin Ladi local government areas, including the destruction of farmlands, cattle rustling and the sexual harassment of women.

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In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, the association condemned the killing of Bulus and expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the affected communities.

BYM also alleged that about five hectares of cabbage and carrot farms ready for harvest were destroyed overnight in the Gassa community of Ropp District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

The association further lamented the reported sexual harassment of women returning from farms in Ganawuri District, saying such incidents have heightened fears among residents.

According to the group, the attacks occurred barely days after eight persons were killed and seven others injured in Gwom-Ajang village of Foron District in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

The association noted that continued attacks on communities, farmlands and residents were threatening livelihoods and worsening displacement across affected areas.

BYM called on security agencies and government at all levels to move beyond routine condemnations and take concrete steps to protect vulnerable communities and bring perpetrators to justice.

The group also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in Plateau State.