The Plateau State Youths Council, Riyom Local Government Area Chapter, has rejected a social media report claiming that three herders were ambushed and killed by Berom people in Jol community, describing the account as false and misleading.
The council said the report, published by the Gafdan Media Team Facebook page, misrepresented what transpired during Sunday’s attack on the community.
In a statement issued on behalf of the council’s Chairman, Zang Kefas, and signed by Gideon Joseph Manjal, the youth body alleged that armed Fulani terrorists attacked Jol community, killing one resident and injuring three others.
“Thomas Damang, 48, was killed when armed terrorists invaded Jol community on Sunday afternoon.”
The council said three other residents sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
“Ishaku Pam, 22, Ezra Yakubu, 28, and Shedrack Danladi, 34, were shot and injured.”
According to the statement, local vigilantes, working alongside security personnel, confronted the attackers.
“During the exchange, three of the attackers were killed and five others sustained injuries, while the remaining assailants fled.”
The council insisted that those killed were members of the armed group that attacked the community and not innocent herders as reported.
“Contrary to the report by Gafdan Media Team, those killed were part of the armed group that attacked Jol community.”
It expressed concern over what it described as repeated misinformation whenever attacks on Plateau communities were repelled.
“Such false reports encourage terrorists, weaken security efforts and deny justice to victims and their families.”
The youth body called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate those behind the Facebook page and prosecute anyone found culpable.
It also urged the Federal Government, the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations and the international community to pay closer attention to what it described as deliberate misinformation surrounding the security situation in Plateau State.
