Three members of a local vigilante group have been killed after suspected gunmen attacked Sabon-Layi community in Gwol District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack, according to community sources, occurred at about 10 p.m. on Saturday when the assailants invaded the community and targeted the vigilantes who were on routine security duty.
The incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks that have continued to heighten fears among residents of Barkin Ladi and surrounding communities.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Berom Youth Moulders, Mr. Rwang Tengwong, described the killings as a major setback to community efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.
“The attackers came and killed these men who were risking their lives to safeguard the community,” Tengwong said.
He explained that the slain vigilantes were members of a local security outfit established by the community to complement security agencies in responding to recurring attacks.
Lamenting the worsening security situation, Tengwong said residents now live in constant fear despite the presence of security personnel in the area.
“We call on the Plateau State Government and the Federal Government to strengthen security in Barkin Ladi by deploying additional personnel to prevent further attacks,” he appealed.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the military were unsuccessful, as the spokesperson of Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycarp Oteh, did not respond to enquiries as of the time of filing this report.
