Plateau: Gunmen Attack Mourners, Kill Two, Amputate Young Man

Gunmen launched a brutal attack on mourners returning from a burial in Plateau State, amputating a young man and killing two others in separate incidents across the state’s Riyom Local Government Area.

The mourners had attended a funeral in Bachit community on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, and were on their way back through the neighbouring Rim community when they were ambushed. The attackers, who reportedly blocked the road, opened fire on the group. One youth was shot and had his hand completely amputated in the assault.

Timothy Dantong, Liaison Officer to the Plateau State Governor for Riyom Constituency, was among those who narrowly escaped the attack. Speaking to Punch on Thursday in Jos, he confirmed the violence and said it took the intervention of an armoured vehicle deployed by security operatives to rescue him and other stranded mourners.

“We were forced to stay on the road for over five hours because of the attack. Those who attempted to cross were shot. It was the arrival of the armoured tank that saved us,” he said. He added that the attackers, believed to be Fulani militia, returned the next morning to block the road again at Wereng community, attacking villagers travelling on motorcycles.

Dantong also reported that gunmen had targeted the country home of former Minister of Sports, Damishi Sango, located in the Riyom community. He called for urgent and intensified security operations to counter what he described as a sustained siege on local communities.

In a related development, two residents—Mr. Gyang Mwanti and Miss Precious Benjamin—were killed in an ambush by gunmen last weekend on their way back from Barkin Ladi. The incident, also in Riyom LGA, has sparked outrage and mourning in the region.

At their burial service on July 1, the Chairman of Riyom Local Government Council, Hon. Bature Sati Shuwa, described the killings as “heart-wrenching and barbaric.” He hailed the late Gyang Mwanti as a dedicated peace advocate and a pillar of the local security efforts in the Jol community.

“Mr. Gyang was not just committed to peace; he actively helped safeguard our community. His death is a devastating loss,” Shuwa said. He also lamented the tragic killing of young Precious Benjamin, describing it as an “unacceptable act of evil.”

The council chairman urged security agencies to launch a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.