Gunmen shot dead a former councillor in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State late Sunday night, leaving one other resident injured.
The victim, Daniel Danjuma Chong, who was widely known as ‘Hon. Star’, was killed in Torok village, Rim Ward, around 11:45pm. According to residents, the attackers stormed the community at night, opened fire, and fled the scene.
Another resident, David Danjuma, was hit by bullets and is currently receiving treatment.
Cynitha Dung, a local resident, said panic spread quickly after the gunfire started.
“We heard heavy gunshots late in the night. Everyone ran for safety. By the time people came out, Hon. Daniel had been shot,” she told PUNCH.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association condemned the attack in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong. The group described it as another attack on civilians in Riyom and called on security agencies to arrest those responsible.
The association also urged the Plateau State Government to strengthen security in vulnerable communities, investigate suspected criminal hideouts in the area, and take action to stop repeated attacks. It renewed its call for a ban on open grazing, alleging that criminal elements have exploited the practice.
The killing adds to ongoing security concerns in Riyom, where residents have repeatedly raised alarms about attacks.
As of press time, the Plateau State Police Command had not confirmed the incident. Attempts to reach the command’s spokesman, SP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful.
