Three brothers who were local vigilantes have been killed by suspected gunmen while on community watch in Tarai community, Jol village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. The attack occurred at about 10:47 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, a day after two security personnel were killed in Riyom.
Attack Details
The assailants reportedly stormed the community and opened fire on the local security volunteers, who were keeping vigil to protect residents from possible attacks. The victims were identified as Dachung Danjuma, 51; Victor Danjuma, 37; and Nyam Danjuma, 35. They were biological brothers and were killed on the spot during the attack, leaving their family and the community devastated.
A member of the community, Lyop Bitrus, told journalists that the brothers were on routine night patrol when the gunmen ambushed them, throwing the community into panic as residents fled their homes for safety.
“They were keeping watch over the community when the gunmen suddenly attacked them. Sadly, the three brothers were killed on the spot. They sacrificed their lives while protecting the community. The tragedy was particularly painful for the family of Victor Danjuma, who was married with five children,” Lyop said.
Official Confirmation
The spokesperson of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Mr. Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident, saying the attackers invaded Tarai community in Jol village under the cover of darkness and targeted the local vigilante team guarding the area.
Tengwong described the killing of the victims as heartbreaking, lamenting the continued attacks on communities in Riyom and other parts of Plateau State despite repeated appeals for improved security. He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that residents could no longer continue to live under the constant threat of attacks.
Impact on Community
The attack has thrown the community into panic, with residents fleeing their homes for safety. The deaths of the three brothers have left a deep void in their family, especially for Victor Danjuma's wife and five children. The incident highlights the security challenges facing rural communities in Plateau State, where vigilantes often serve as the first line of defense against armed groups.
Local leaders have called on the government to address the root causes of insecurity and provide better support for community-based security initiatives. The police and other security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the attack, but investigations are expected to follow.
