Fifteen people, including a one-year-old boy, were brutally killed by unidentified gunmen in a night attack on Ri Do (Gidan Ado), a hamlet in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Sunday, December 22, 2024.
The Irigwe Development Association (IDA), in a statement issued in Jos by its National Publicity Secretary, Sam Jugo, condemned the unprovoked attack, which left several others critically injured. The victims, predominantly Irigwe natives from Bassa, were attacked in their homes just hours before Christmas celebrations.
“The identities of the perpetrators have not yet been ascertained. We appeal for restraint and urge security agencies to prevent further attacks and reprisals,” the IDA said.
The assailants fled before security operatives arrived, leaving the community in mourning. Operation Safe Haven and the Plateau State Police Command are yet to issue official statements. Meanwhile, the victims have been buried in a mass grave at the community burial ground.
Community leaders have called on security forces to intensify efforts in curbing such incidents, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent further bloodshed.