Nine Family Members Reportedly Killed In Late-Night Attack On Plateau Community.

At least nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old infant, were reportedly killed during a late-night attack on Kum community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to residents, the attack occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, and lasted for more than an hour. The village head of the community was also said to have sustained critical injuries.

Residents alleged that the attackers, described as suspected armed Fulani militias, invaded the community under the cover of darkness and opened fire indiscriminately. However, authorities had not publicly confirmed the identity of those responsible at the time of reporting.

Speaking to Punch, a resident identified as Precious Tok recounted the incident, describing it as one of the deadliest attacks the community has witnessed in recent times.

"The gunmen came in large numbers, shooting everywhere. We could hear screams from the houses. They entered homes and slaughtered people. It was one of the deadliest attacks we have seen here in recent times," Tok said.

He added that nine members of a single family, including a two-month-old baby, were among those killed.

"We ran into the bush for safety and only returned this morning to see the bodies," he said.

Another resident, who requested anonymity, described the aftermath as devastating and appealed for increased government intervention to address the recurring violence in the area.

"We buried our children with our own hands again. This is too much. Government should come and help us. Every time they attack at night and by morning people are dead. We are tired of running," the resident said.

The Public Relations Officer of the Berom Youths Moulders Association (BYM), Riyom District, Comrade Vincent Caleb Alamba, also confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday.

The association condemned the attack, describing it as a "barbaric and inhumane act" that reportedly claimed the lives of nine innocent members of the same family. The statement alleged that the attackers were suspected armed bandits operating from the Fass axis and called for an urgent investigation.

BYM urged the Federal Government, the Plateau State Government, and security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible while strengthening security across vulnerable communities in Riyom Local Government Area to prevent further attacks.

The association further expressed condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Kum community, reiterating its call for lasting peace and improved security in the region.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not released an official statement confirming the casualty figures or identifying those behind the attack.