Fifteen people, including a one-year-old boy, were killed on Sunday night in a brutal attack at Ri Do (Gidan Ado), a hamlet in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, just days before Christmas celebrations.
The assault came shortly after the Plateau State Police Command announced the deployment of officers to five local government areas, including Riyom, to enhance security during the holiday season.
Sam Jugo, National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Community Development Association (IDA), confirmed the tragedy on Monday, stating that the attack had been reported to Operation Safe Haven, the multi-security task force overseeing peace in the region.
“Troops responded to the incident, but sadly, the assailants had already inflicted significant damage before their arrival,” Jugo said.
The victims, natives of the Irigwe ethnic group from Bassa Local Government Area, were identified as:
- Dauda Arabo (48)
- Hassana Wula (52)
- Basuna Moses (22)
- Faith Basuna (19)
- Laraba Randi (18)
- Danlami Gado (50)
- Moses Yakubu (48)
- Azumi Moses (13)
- Talatu Hassan (42)
- Chama Ernest (20)
- Agumo Monday (20)
- Sheba Ernest (1)
- Mary Stephen (33)
- Isere Moses (3)
Linda Moses (32), who sustained severe injuries, is receiving treatment at an undisclosed location.
Jugo urged calm and caution to avoid hindering ongoing investigations by security agencies. “We appeal for patience and hope that security forces will take steps to prevent further attacks or reprisals. It is heartbreaking to lose loved ones during what should have been a joyous season,” he said.
Kidnappers Strike in Ondo State
In a related incident, kidnappers ambushed an 18-passenger bus traveling to Ado-Ekiti from Onitsha on Sunday night at Emure Ile, Ondo State. All passengers were abducted, save for some children left behind.
According to the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, the bandits demanded N30 million ransom per victim. Two passengers managed to escape during the night, while the cries of abandoned children attracted the attention of passersby, who reported the case to local police.
Efforts are underway by the driver’s union in Ado-Ekiti to negotiate with the kidnappers as the police continue their investigation.
