By BANNERNEWS Reporter
Gunmen have killed a pregnant woman and a young man in a late-night attack on Dyan community in Rim District of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, deepening concerns over renewed violence in the area.
Community sources said the attackers stormed the settlement at about 10 p.m. on Friday and opened fire on residents, triggering panic as people fled for safety.
The victims were identified as Mrs. Happiness Pam, 32, who was pregnant, and Daniel Luka, 24.
The latest killings have drawn condemnation from the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), which described the attack as brutal, senseless and a threat to peace in Plateau communities.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rwang Tengwong, the group said it received news of the attack with shock and sadness, lamenting what it described as persistent violence in Riyom and other parts of the state.
“It is heartbreaking that a pregnant woman carrying the hope of a family and an innocent young man with a promising future became victims of yet another senseless act of violence,” the association stated.
According to BYM, the killings represent not only an attack on the victims but also an assault on the peace, security and humanity of the affected communities.
The group extended condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Dyan community, Rim District and the entire Riyom Local Government Area, while calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to track down and prosecute those responsible.
BYM also urged the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government to take proactive steps to strengthen security and protect vulnerable communities from recurring attacks.
The association further expressed concern over the reported abduction of two drivers along the Kassa axis of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. According to the group, the victims were intercepted and taken away by armed men while travelling through the area at about 10 p.m. on Thursday.
It appealed to security agencies to intensify rescue operations and strengthen surveillance along major road corridors across affected communities, while advising residents to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary late-night travel on vulnerable routes.
The latest incident is one of several deadly attacks recorded in parts of Plateau State in recent weeks, raising fresh concerns over the security situation in the North-Central state.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command had yet to respond to enquiries as of press time.
