Plateau State Nigeria: Councillor Killing Sparks Security Concerns

• Gunmen killed Hon. Daniel Danjuma Chong, a former councillor in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
• The attack occurred at about 11:45 p.m. on Sunday night, when gunmen stormed Torok village in Rim Community and opened fire.
• Another resident, Mr. David Dachollom Danjuma, was injured during the attack and is receiving treatment.
• The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) has condemned the killing and called on security agencies to apprehend those responsible.
• The BYM also reiterated its call for a comprehensive ban on open grazing, arguing that it has contributed to the rise in criminal activities in the region, despite the Plateau State Government's ban on night grazing and other local restrictions.

The continuous killing of innocent citizens is unacceptable. Those responsible must face justice.

The recent killing of Hon. Daniel Danjuma Chong, a former councillor representing Rim Ward in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, has highlighted the ongoing security concerns in the region. The attack occurred at about 11:45 p.m. on Sunday night, when gunmen stormed Torok village in Rim Community and opened fire. Residents described the scene as chaotic, with people fleeing for safety after hearing sustained gunfire. According to eyewitnesses, another resident, Mr. David Dachollom Danjuma, was injured during the attack and is receiving treatment. The incident has left the community in shock, with many expressing fear for their safety. The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) has condemned the killing and called on security agencies to apprehend those responsible.

The attack has also raised questions about the effectiveness of measures against open grazing in Plateau State. The BYM has long been advocating for a comprehensive ban on open grazing, arguing that it has contributed to the rise in criminal activities in the region. While the Plateau State Government, under Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has implemented a ban on night grazing since May 2026, and some local government areas have introduced restrictions on unauthorized herder settlements and grazing on farmlands, the BYM continues to call for an outright ban on open grazing, leaving many wondering whether current measures will be enough to address the security concerns in the area.

The killing of Hon. Daniel Danjuma Chong is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a larger trend of violence and insecurity in Plateau State. The incident highlights the need for effective security measures to be put in place to protect residents and visitors alike. Lawyers advising clients in Plateau State should be aware of these ongoing security concerns and potential for further attacks, which may impact business operations or individual safety. They should also monitor developments related to the ban on night grazing and other restrictions on open grazing, as it may have implications for land use and property rights.

Lawyers advising clients in Plateau State should be aware of the ongoing security concerns and potential for further attacks, which may impact business operations or individual safety. They should also monitor developments related to the proposed ban on open grazing, as it may have implications for land use and property rights.

Source: Original reporting via Vanguard