The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) has disputed a social media report claiming that three herders were ambushed and killed by Berom people in Jol, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The association described the report, allegedly published by the Gafdan Media Team Facebook account, as false and misleading.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, BYM said the incident followed an attack on Jol community by armed terrorists on Sunday.
“Thomas Damang, 48, was murdered when armed terrorists invaded Jol community.”
The association said three other residents sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
“Ishaku Pam, 22, Ezra Yakubu, 28, and Shedrack Danladi, 34, suffered gunshot wounds during the assault.”
BYM said local vigilantes, working alongside security personnel, engaged the attackers in a gun battle.
“In the ensuing confrontation, three terrorists were neutralised and five others sustained injuries, forcing the remaining attackers to retreat.”
It maintained that those killed during the exchange were members of the attacking group and not innocent herders as alleged in the social media report.
“Contrary to the false report, those killed were not innocent herders but members of the armed group that attacked the community.”
The association called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate those behind the Facebook account.
“Individuals who deliberately spread falsehood to shield violent criminals must be held accountable under the law,” the statement added.
