Mrs. Dung added that a second resident, David Dachollom Danjuma, was also shot during the attack and was receiving medical treatment.

Condemnation trails former councillor’s killing 

Meanwhile, the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) issued a statement condemning the attack, describing it as yet another disturbing assault on the people of Riyom Local Government Area. The group said the assailants moved into the community under the cover of darkness, opened fire on residents and fled after killing the former councillor.

The association’s national spokesperson, Rwang Tengwong, signed the statement and conveyed condolences to the family of the deceased and the broader Torok community.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and the people of Torok Community, and we wish Mr. David Dachollom Danjuma a speedy recovery,” 

the statement read.

The BYM called on security agencies and the Plateau state government to launch an immediate manhunt for those behind the attack and to reinforce security in communities considered vulnerable.

“We call on security agencies and the Plateau state government to immediately go after the perpetrators of this attack and ensure they are arrested and brought to justice,” the group said.

The association also urged authorities to break up criminal hideouts allegedly operating in the area, and renewed its call for a ban on open grazing, arguing that criminal elements had taken advantage of the practice.

“The continuous killing of innocent citizens is unacceptable. Those responsible must face justice,” the BYM added.

Attempts to reach Alfred Alabo, the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, for an official reaction were unsuccessful.

Alabo had not responded before this report was filed.

Six of the victims were burnt alive inside a room where they had sought refuge from the attackers.

As reported by Daily Trust, residents said the gunmen arrived at roughly 11pm on Saturday, July 19, 2026, and continued their rampage until approximately 3:30am on Sunday, with no security response throughout the entire ordeal.

6 burnt alive, 7 dead in 1 compound According to a resident who spoke anonymously, the gunmen surrounded a room where a group of people had locked themselves inside.

When those inside refused to come out, the attackers poured petrol on the structure and set it ablaze.

As occupants tried to escape through the door, they were shot, and their remains were left inside the burning room.

Those killed in the fire were identified as Mallam Wauro, also known as Mallam Roro, who was the head of the household; his two sons, Ukasha and Mujaheed; two relatives named Sufyanu and Sani Shanbami; and an internally displaced person who had been sheltering in the home.

A seventh person, Lawwali, was shot dead at the entrance of the same compound while attempting to flee. The remaining victims, including Yusuf and three other displaced persons who had taken refuge in the village, were shot while trying to escape.

A woman named Agada also died from severe shock during the attack.

Vigilantes overwhelmed, livestock stolen.

A local vigilante member who was on duty that night said the group was keeping watch near the village primary school when the shooting began.

They scattered and kept moving between hiding spots as the gunfire drew closer. Once the vigilantes were overpowered, the attackers moved through the village freely, going from house to house to steal cattle and sheep.

One of their rifles was positioned at a strategic point and kept firing to provide cover while others looted livestock.

The gunmen later targeted Mallam Wauro’s residence, killed him and his sons, abducted his two wives, and took all his cattle.

Residents said they could not confirm the exact number of people abducted, though some, particularly children, were later released by the bandits.

No security response for hours

Villagers said that despite making repeated distress calls, security personnel stationed at Unguwar Lalle and Dan Tudu communities, both roughly two kilometres from Lajinge, did not respond at any point during the four-hour attack.

One resident described the bandits walking along the main road, laughing and smoking cigarettes, after they had overrun the village.

Community leaders had reportedly submitted multiple requests to the government to deploy security forces in the area, but those appeals went unanswered.

Residents noted that eight people were also killed in the same community about three weeks before this latest attack.

The state Police spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said he was unaware of the incident and was in transit. DSP Rufai added that he would verify upon reaching his office, but he had yet to respond by the time this report was filed.

Bandits gun down worshippers inside Sokoto mosque 

Recall that bandits attacked Tsamaye village in Sokoto state’s Sabon Birni LGA on Tuesday night, July 28, spending over six hours terrorising residents.

Seven bodies were recovered Wednesday morning, July 29, after attackers spent the night raiding homes, looting shops, and rustling livestock.

At least three abductions were confirmed after relatives called victims’ phones and the bandits answered, saying they had them in custody.

The publication comes ahead of the official commencement of campaigns for the 2027 presidential election on August 19.