Three members of a local vigilante group have been killed after gunmen attacked a community guard post in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to Vanguard, the attack occurred at Gwa Rim community at about 2am on Wednesday while the vigilantes were keeping watch over the area.
Gunmen strike while community sleeps
A resident of Riyom, Damba Dang, said the attackers arrived while most people in the community were asleep.
The gunmen reportedly opened fire on members of the civilian security group stationed at the guard post, killing three of them.
The vigilantes had been assisting residents by monitoring the community and providing an early warning against possible attacks.
Residents fear renewed violence
Dang expressed concern about what he described as renewed attacks on communities in the area.
He said the killing was particularly disturbing because the victims had volunteered to protect fellow residents from security threats.
Communities in parts of Plateau State have repeatedly relied on local vigilante groups and civilian guards to complement conventional security agencies.
Call for stronger security
Residents have now appealed to security agencies to reinforce vulnerable communities around Gwa Rim and other parts of Riyom.
They also want authorities to investigate the latest attack, identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of rural communities and the dangers faced by local security volunteers attempting to protect residents from armed attacks.
