Nine Members of Same Family, Including Infant, Killed in Fresh Plateau Attack

At least nine members of the same family, including a three-month-old baby, have been killed in a fresh attack on Wereng-Camp and Kum communities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The late-night assault reportedly began at about 11 p.m on Saturday and lasted for more than an hour into the early hours of Sunday, leaving another resident with serious injuries.

The incident was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong.

According to the association, the attackers allegedly stormed the affected communities from the Fass axis, an area it described as a known hideout for armed groups operating around Jol community in Riyom Local Government Area.

Those killed were identified as Celina James, 38; Yohanna James, 21; Janet Yohanna, 18; Jennifer Yohanna, a three-month-old infant; Sele James, 18; Melody James, 16; Reto James, 10; Endurance James, 8; and Peace James, 3.

The association also said another resident, 40-year-old Pam Yohanna, sustained serious injuries during the attack and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Reacting to the killings, the Berom Youth Moulders Association described the latest incident as another tragic reminder of the persistent insecurity affecting Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria's North-Central region.

The group said repeated attacks had continued to claim lives, destroy homes, displace residents a nd undermine farming and other economic activities across several communities.

It further alleged that predominantly Christian farming settlements have remained frequent targets of armed attacks and urged the Federal Government to intensify security operations in vulnerable communities.

The association called on security agencies to dismantle criminal hideouts, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killings, and provide humanitarian assistance to affected residents.

It also appealed to the international community, including the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, the European Union, the United States, international human rights organisations, faith-based groups and diplomatic missions, to pay closer attention to the humanitarian and security challenges confronting communities in North-Central Nigeria.

According to the group, independent investigations into the recurring attacks are necessary, while sustained engagement with Nigerian authorities is needed to ensure the protection of civilians and accountability for perpetrators.

"The continued bloodshed in Plateau State must not be ignored. The lives of innocent men, women and children deserve protection, justice and lasting peace. The time for decisive action is now," the statement said.

As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had not commented on the attack.

Repeated telephone calls to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, were not answered.