At least nine members of a single family, including a two-month-old baby, were reportedly killed after suspected gunmen attacked Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State late Saturday night, according to residents and community leaders.

Residents of Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State are mourning after suspected gunmen allegedly killed at least nine members of one family during a late-night attack on Saturday.

According to eyewitnesses, the attack began around 11:30 p.m. and continued for more than one hour, with armed assailants reportedly firing indiscriminately and attacking homes.

The village head of one of the affected communities was also critically injured and taken to hospital for treatment.
A resident, Israel Jang, told Benue Info-pedia by telephone on Sunday that the attackers entered the communities in large numbers before opening fire.

"The gunmen came in large numbers, shooting everywhere. We could hear screams from the houses. They entered homes and slaughtered people. It was one of the deadliest attacks we have seen here in recent times," he said.

Jang added that nine members of a single family were killed in one household.

"Even a two-month-old baby was not spared. We ran into the bush for safety and only returned this morning to see the bodies," he added.

Another resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, described the aftermath as devastating.

"We buried our children with our hands again. This is too much. The government should come and help us. Every time they attack at night, and by morning, people are dead. We are tired of running."

The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the attack, saying the assailants struck while residents were asleep.

According to him, nine members of one family, including a two-month-old infant, were killed, while the village head sustained life-threatening injuries.

Tengwong said security agencies had been informed and expressed hope that those responsible would be arrested and prosecuted.

The incident has left many residents displaced and fearful of further attacks, with community members urging both the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government to strengthen security across Riyom and other vulnerable areas.

As of the time of filing this report, security personnel had reportedly been deployed to the affected communities.
Efforts by Benue Info-pedia to obtain official confirmation from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command's spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, could not be reached.