Two Christian preachers were shot dead on Sunday in the Gwon community of Rim District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, in a renewed wave of violent attacks suspected to be carried out by headsmen militia. The victims, members of an evangelism team, were reportedly killed shortly after their church service while preaching around the community.
Solomon Dalyop, National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYMA), confirmed the incident to journalists on Monday evening in Jos. According to him, the attackers emerged from nearby rocks and opened fire on the unsuspecting preachers, killing them instantly.
The national president said following the killings, the gunmen allegedly invaded the village, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.
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Dalyop added that the attackers only retreated after a joint team of the military task force and local vigilantes responded to the gunfire.
He stressed that while mourning the loss of the two preachers, the community was again thrown into chaos when another man was shot dead in the neighbouring Bachit community.
He explained that this second attack occurred during the burial of the initial victims, further deepening fears of insecurity and raising questions over the effectiveness of the government’s response.
“While we were burying the two people killed in Gwon, the Fulani militia went to the community headquarters of Rim and attacked the village,” Dalyop said.
Dalyop accused the government and security agencies of neglecting the plight of the people in Riyom and other Berom communities. He expressed frustration over what he described as a porous security network, which he said has allowed the attackers to operate with impunity. “They warned us they would come, and they did,” he said.
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According to Dalyop, the attackers, numbering over a hundred, are heavily armed and move freely through the area, destroying farm crops and targeting communities. He noted that during the most recent attacks, gun battles lasted for about an hour, particularly around the Jol community, causing widespread destruction and forcing many villagers to flee.
The BYMA leader called on both state and federal governments to intervene urgently and address the deteriorating security situation in Riyom.
“Our people are mourning, afraid, and living in constant fear of the next attack. We need immediate action to prevent more bloodshed and restore peace to our land,” he said.
