Tragedy struck Pwomol village in Heipang District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, as suspected bandits launched a violent overnight attack, leaving at least two people dead and several others injured.
The assault, which occurred late Sunday night, April 5, saw heavily armed attackers storm the community, firing indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety. In the chaos, two young men lost their lives, while many others sustained injuries.
The National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, confirmed the incident, revealing that the attackers also set houses and food barns ablaze, worsening the humanitarian impact on the affected community.
Mwantiri noted that this marks the second attack on the area within a week, raising fresh concerns about escalating insecurity in the region.
In a significant development, one of the suspected attackers identified as Suleiman, said to be from Fass community in Riyom Local Government Area was apprehended shortly after the attack. He was reportedly arrested around the Redemption Camp area between Heipang and Kassa, with visible blood stains on his body.
The suspect has since been handed over to security operatives and is currently in custody at Sector 4 in Barkin Ladi for further investigation.
The BYM leadership has called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent probe into the incident, urging authorities to ensure that the suspect provides vital information that could lead to the arrest of other perpetrators and their collaborators.
Mwantiri also commended the swift response of the Special Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, while appealing to residents to remain vigilant and support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities.
