Fifteen people, including a one-year-old boy, were tragically killed in a brutal attack on Sunday night in the hamlet of Ri Do (Gidan Ado) in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. The community, predominantly inhabited by Irigwe natives from Bassa, was ambushed by assailants who stormed the village under the cover of darkness.
According to a statement from the leadership of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Sam Jugo, the gunmen launched the attack without provocation, killing 15 individuals and injuring several others. The identities of the perpetrators remain unknown as of the latest update, and the authorities are continuing investigations into the incident.
“This attack, coming just hours before the yuletide celebrations, is deeply distressing,” the IDA’s statement said. “We urge the security agencies to prevent such heinous acts from recurring and to caution against any reprisals.”
While the attackers’ identities have not yet been revealed, the community has appealed for calm and urged restraint in order to avoid further violence. “It is important not to speculate about the identities of the perpetrators at this stage so as not to interfere with ongoing investigations,” the statement added.
In response to the attack, the victims were given a mass burial at the community burial ground. Both the Joint Security Task Force, Operation Safe Haven, and local police authorities have yet to comment on the incident.
The IDA leadership has expressed hope that the security agencies will take decisive action to prevent such violence in the future, especially as the community grapples with the shock and grief of the senseless killings.
