Three persons have been killed and one injured in a fresh attack in Nyamgo Gyel, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, deepening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the region.
The victims, identified as Luka Sandu Pam (36), Samuel Davou (38), and Deme Saidu (35), were ambushed at about 7 p.m. on Friday while returning home from Gero on a motorbike.
The attack, which occurred on Good Friday, has left the community in shock and mourning.
Eyewitnesses said the victims were part of a group of about 15 youths returning from a mining site when they ran into the ambush.
According to the Gyel Youth Leader, Dung Davou, the group came under sudden attack by suspected armed herdsmen, forcing them to flee.
“We started hearing sporadic gunshots and everyone scattered. Unfortunately, three of our people were killed,” he said, calling for urgent intervention by authorities.
The Chairman of the Berom Youth Moulder Association, Solomon Dalyop, described the killings as a grim reflection of worsening insecurity in Plateau State.
Standing beside the bodies of the victims, he said: “These young men went to mark Good Friday and were returning home when they were ambushed and killed. This is heartbreaking.”
Dalyop disclosed that community leaders had recently held a security meeting with members of the Fulani community at the Sector 2 Command of the Nigerian Army in Jos South over suspicious movements in parts of the area.
“We were informed about suspicious movements in these areas and we have since cautioned our people to be vigilant, especially at night,” he added.
He warned that the situation could deteriorate further if urgent action is not taken, alleging that armed groups have occupied bushes across parts of the state.
“If nothing serious is done, this may just be the beginning of more terror. Terrorists are taking over our bushes,” he said, while decrying inadequate security presence.
He noted that only the police responded after the attack, evacuating the injured survivor to a hospital.
Community members have called for increased security deployment and vigilance as preparations begin for the burial of the victims.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Plateau State Command, Alfred Alabo, for official confirmation were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls as of press time.
The latest killings come amid a wave of violent incidents in Plateau State, raising fresh concerns over residents’ safety and the effectiveness of ongoing security efforts.
Douglas Francis
