The peace of the Gyel community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State was once again shattered on Monday, when gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits laid siege and killed a resident while another person sustained injuries during the attack.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, who confirmed the incident in a statement late Monday, said the victim, who was identified as 36-year-old Shedrack Dalyop, was killed in what could have been a targeted attack as he was one of the leaders of the local vigilante group who had managed to ward off previous invasions by the terrorists.
Tengwong, who described the invasion as another disturbing pattern of repeated violence in the area, stated that the latest attack has further heightened anxiety among residents already grappling with insecurity.
He noted that the body of the victim was recovered after residents were alerted to the attack by the injured survivor identified as Mang Davou, who managed to reach the relatives of Dalyop and reported the attack, which led to the discovery of the deceased.
“The incident which seemed to be a targeted attack as Dalyop was one of the leaders of the community vigilante group which defended the community against attacks by the Fulani bandits, occurred shortly after another similar attack in Sabon Gidan Kanar area the same area, further increasing tension and distrust within the community,” Tengwong said.
“This latest killing has further heightened fears among community members. Residents are worried about the recurring attacks and expect urgent action from security agencies,” the BYM spokesman said.
Calling on security agencies, especially the Operation Enduring Peace and other relevant authorities, to investigate the attack, identify those responsible, and ensure they are prosecuted, Tengwong said the perpetrators must be tracked down and brought to justice.
“Our communities deserve protection, and residents should be able to live without fear of violence,” he added.
Meanwhile, attempts to obtain an official reaction from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report, as its spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, did not respond to calls and text messages sent to his phones.
