Three vigilantes were killed when armed men reportedly attacked them while they were keeping watch over NTV community in Barkin Ladi Local Council of Plateau State.

The attack occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, according to residents, who said the incident had heightened tension in the community.

Two residents, Gabriel Ayuba and Pam Yusuf, who confirmed the incident in separate telephone interviews, said the vigilantes were on duty when the gunmen opened fire on them.

“It is very sad that people who were only protecting the community were attacked and killed,” they said.

Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, said three persons were killed in the attack.

Tengwong described the incident as unfortunate and called on security agencies to intensify patrols and take proactive measures to protect communities in the area.

He said: “The people cannot continue to live in fear while those volunteering to protect their communities are being killed.”

He urged security operatives to investigate the attack, identify those responsible and ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.

Tengwong also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies, stressing that the protection of life and property remained a collective responsibility.

Efforts to obtain comments from the spokespersons of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Captain Polycarp Chinonso Oteh, and the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to inquiries by reporters.

The latest attack comes amid renewed tension and reported killings in different parts of Plateau State, with farmers and herders continuing to accuse one another of responsibility for the violence.