The death toll from Friday night’s attack on Dorowa Babuje community in Barkin Ladi Local Council of Plateau State has risen from four to seven following the deaths of three injured vigilantes.

Gunmen reportedly stormed the community at about 11:00 p.m., attacking local vigilantes who were keeping watch over the area. Four vigilantes were killed instantly, while six others sustained serious injuries.

The attack reportedly triggered panic, forcing residents to flee in different directions as the assailants overpowered the vigilantes with superior firepower.

The incident was confirmed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, who condemned the killing of community members volunteering to protect their neighbourhood.

Tengwong described the attack as unfortunate and expressed sympathy with the victims and their families.

“We are deeply saddened by this latest attack and call on the relevant security agencies to urgently investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” he said.

He added that residents should not be left living in fear while those volunteering to protect their communities were being attacked and killed.

A fresh report reaching The Guardian indicated that three of the six injured vigilantes later died, bringing the death toll to seven.

A resident, who identified himself simply as Mamuda, said three bodies were later recovered from a bush in the community.

He appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify investigations and ensure that those responsible for the attack were brought to justice.