Gunmen kill two security operatives, seize rifles in Plateau

Two security operatives were reportedly killed on Sunday after some gunmen attacked Tanjol and Tarai communities in Jol District of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred at about 2:30 p.m., with the attackers reportedly seizing the firearms of the slain personnel, according to a report by PUNCH newspaper, which quoted residents of the affected communities.

Residents told the newspaper that security personnel responded to the attack but encountered resistance from the gunmen, leading to a gun battle that lasted several minutes.

“Information available indicated that at least two security operatives were killed during the encounter, while their firearms were reportedly taken away by the attackers,” a resident, John Dalyop, was quoted as saying.

Another resident, Chollom Jerry, said that several people were injured during the attack while a civilian was also reported missing.

He said the incident had heightened fear among residents of Jol and surrounding communities, with residents worried about the safety of their lives and property.

“Residents were worried about the safety of their lives and property, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities in the area,” Mr Jerry said.

Efforts by PREMIUM TIMES to obtain official reactions from security agencies, including the Plateau State Police Command, were reportedly unsuccessful. Sources at the command headquarters in Jos, however, said additional security personnel had been deployed to the affected communities.

Repeated attacks

The latest incident adds to a series of attacks involving civilians and security personnel in Riyom and other parts of Plateau State in recent weeks.

On 4 August, PREMIUM TIMES reported that gunmen ambushed a joint security patrol along the Ganawuri-Sabon Gida Road in Riyom Local Government Area, killing a police inspector and a Nigerian Air Force corporal.

The attackers reportedly took the service rifles of the slain personnel, after which security forces launched cordon-and-search operations in surrounding communities.

Following the attack, troops of Operation Enduring Peace reportedly arrested 19 suspects in Tongoron community, Riyom, for profiling and investigation as the military intensified efforts to identify those responsible for the ambush and recover the stolen weapons.

The latest attack also occurred in the same local government where PREMIUM TIMES recently reported the killing of former councillor Daniel Chong, popularly known as “Hon. Star,” during a late-night attack on Torok community.

Mr Chong, a former councillor representing Rim Ward, was reportedly killed at about 11:45 p.m. during the attack, while another resident sustained gunshot injuries.

The renewed attacks have heightened concerns over security in Riyom, which has recorded repeated incidents involving armed groups and attacks on security personnel.

The seizure of service rifles in the latest incident also raises concerns over the proliferation of firearms and the possibility of weapons taken from slain security personnel being used in subsequent attacks.

Security agencies are yet to publicly provide details on the identities of the slain operatives or the circumstances surrounding the attack as of the time of filing this report. (Premium Times)