Gunmen kill former Plateau councillor in Riyom

Former councillor representing Rim Ward in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, Daniel Chong, popularly known as “Hon. Star”, has been shot dead by armed men.

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Mr Chong was killed at about 11:45 p.m. on Sunday in Torok village, Rim community, according to residents.

A resident, Cynitha Dung, told journalists that the attackers stormed the community under the cover of darkness and opened fire, forcing residents to flee their homes.

“We heard heavy gunshots late in the night. Everyone ran for safety. By the time people came out, Hon. Daniel had been shot. It was a terrifying experience, and the community is still in shock,” Ms Dung said.

She added that another resident, David Danjuma, sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and is receiving medical treatment.

Youth group condemns attack

The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) condemned the killing and called on security agencies to arrest those responsible.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Rwang Tengwong, the association described the attack as another assault on innocent residents of Riyom.

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“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and the people of Torok Community, and we wish Mr David Dachollom Danjuma a speedy recovery,” the statement said.

The group urged the Plateau State Government and security agencies to launch a manhunt for the attackers and strengthen security across vulnerable communities.

“We call on security agencies and the Plateau State Government to immediately go after the perpetrators of this attack and ensure they are arrested and brought to justice,” the association said.

The group also renewed its call for authorities to dismantle criminal hideouts allegedly operating in the area and reiterated its demand for a ban on open grazing, arguing that criminal elements exploit the practice to launch attacks.

Previous attacks

The latest incident adds to a series of violent attacks that have continued to affect communities in Riyom and other parts of Plateau State.

PREMIUM TIMES recently reported that at least nine members of a family, including a two-month-old baby, were killed when gunmen attacked Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area in late July. The village head was also seriously injured in the attack.

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Earlier, six people were killed, and another was injured in separate attacks on communities in Riyom and Barkin Ladi local government areas. The Berom Youth Moulders Association described those incidents as part of a sustained pattern of violence targeting rural communities.

PREMIUM TIMES also reported that troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued seven travellers abducted along the Riyom-Abuja highway after engaging suspected kidnappers in a gun battle, underscoring the persistent security challenges facing the area.

The recurring attacks have prompted repeated calls from residents, community leaders and civil society organisations for stronger security measures and proactive intelligence operations to protect vulnerable communities.

Efforts to obtain confirmation from the state police spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or text messages before the publication of this report.