Fulani militia attack mourners in Plateau’s Rim community, shoot several, amputate youth’s hand, and target ex-Minister’s home in emotional ambush

Fulani militia attack mourners in a deeply emotional and terrifying ambush that left one youth amputated and several others traumatised in Plateau State.

Also read: Gunmen attack Kwara motor park, kill four on Easter Monday

The incident took place on Wednesday in the Rim community of Riyom Local Government Area as mourners returned from a burial in neighbouring Bachit.

The mourners were on their way back when gunmen suspected to be Fulani militia blocked the road and opened fire. Among the victims was a young man whose hand was completely amputated after being shot.

The horrifying ordeal has further heightened fears in a region already overwhelmed by persistent insecurity.

Timothy Dantong, the Liaison Officer to Governor Caleb Mutfwang for Riyom State Constituency, confirmed the attack to *PUNCH Metro* in Jos. He was among those who narrowly escaped death.

“Yesterday, I went for a burial in my village in Bachit. While returning, there was an attack by gunmen in the neighbouring Rim community and we were advised to stop on the way because we had to pass through Rim,” he explained.

Dantong said the mourners were forced to wait for over five hours due to the blocked road. However, some individuals who tried to pass were attacked.

“One youth was shot and his hand was amputated completely,” Dantong said. “It was an armoured tank that eventually came to our rescue and evacuated us from the road where we were stranded.”

The violence did not end there. According to Dantong, the same group of gunmen reappeared the following morning and launched another attack at Wereng community, targeting villagers travelling on motorcycles.

He added, “I don’t know what the Fulani militia wants from our people. My village is under siege because they are caged in a place where they can’t come out.”

In a related development, the gunmen also attacked the country home of former Minister of Sports, Damishi Sango, located in Dakwal, Riyom community. The attack claimed the life of a female relative and left three others wounded, including a security guard.

Dantong described the attack on Sango’s residence as tragic, blaming the same group suspected of orchestrating other violent acts in the region.

“I also heard about the former minister’s house’s attack by the gunmen in Dakwal, and I felt sorry because it can’t be any different from the same Fulani militia terrorising communities in our state,” he said.

While confirming that Sango survived the attack, Dantong disclosed that the woman killed was a family member, and the injured are currently being treated at a hospital in Jos.

“We thank God the former minister was inside and they couldn’t get to him,” he added.

The repeated attacks have triggered renewed calls for urgent government intervention. Dantong appealed to security forces to scale up operations to prevent further bloodshed in Plateau communities.

He lamented, “These attackers move freely. They target our people with impunity. Our communities need protection now more than ever. If not addressed immediately, the situation may worsen.”

Fulani militia attack mourners with terrifying precision and brutality, leaving behind a trail of grief. The Plateau government has yet to issue an official statement, but pressure is mounting for urgent, decisive action.

Also read: Gunmen abduct trader’s son in night raid on Kano community

The Rim and Riyom communities remain on high alert, as residents fear more violence. As security operatives continue investigations, the affected families mourn their dead and tend to the wounded, while hoping for peace that remains painfully elusive.