Bandits have launched an attack on a secondary school in the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau state, resulting in the tragic deaths of two teachers. The victims, a recently married couple who were educators at BECO Comprehensive Secondary School in the Kwi community of the council area, fell victim to the violent incident.
According to eyewitnesses, the attack occurred on a Monday afternoon during a school meeting at the BECO Comprehensive Secondary School. The meeting aimed to compile student results for delivery on Friday, August 18, in line with the school’s calendar for their “Speech and Prize Giving Day.”
Moses Gwott, a youth leader in the community, confirmed the killings in Jos on Tuesday. Gwott revealed that the assailants, identified as Fulani bandits, also injured several other teachers, including the Vice Principal of the school.
Gwott recounted, “Around 3:00 pm on Monday, the bandits entered the school compound with their cattle and disrupted the staff meeting. The staff members requested the Fulani bandits to remove their cows from the school premises. However, instead of complying, the bandits brandished their weapons and opened fire on the teachers, resulting in the deaths of two teachers.”
Rwang Tengwong, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulders Association, also confirmed the attack in a statement issued on Tuesday. Tengwong called upon the authorities to implement a ban on open grazing within the communities to prevent future occurrences.
Tengwong’s statement read, “The Berom Youths Moulders Association (BYM) is deeply saddened by the incursion at BECO Comprehensive School Kwi, which resulted in the tragic shooting deaths of staff members Mr. and Mrs. Rwang Danladi. Additionally, Mr. Dalyop Emmanuel Ibrahim, the Vice Principal, sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).”
Tengwong continued, “The BYM expresses concern about the audacious movement of terrorists from Fass and Mahanga who freely carry arms and graze on farmlands, causing fear among locals in nearby communities. Fass, Mahanga, and Guava have become strongholds for these terrorists, perpetrating coordinated attacks on villages and communities not only within Plateau state but also beyond.”
Tengwong’s statement concluded by urging the government to prohibit open grazing in Plateau state, as grazing has become a guise for wreaking havoc on lives and property. The BYM also called upon security forces to urgently address the mentioned settlements that have been forcefully occupied, which have now become breeding grounds for both terrorists and criminals.