Gunmen on Sunday night attacked and killed a former councillor, Daniel Danjuma, in Rim Community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The former councillor, who represented Rim Ward in Riyom LGA, was also known as “Hon. Star”.

The spokesperson of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Twang Tengwong, confirmed the incident in a statement, condemning the attack in strong terms. He said the attackers stormed the community at about 10:45 pm on Sunday.

According to Tengwong, the BYM, under the leadership of its National President, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, was saddened by the latest attack, which claimed the life of a former legislator in Riyom LGA, describing it as unacceptable.

The statement explained that villages in Torok, Rim Community, Riyom Local Government Area, were attacked by gunmen, who invaded the area in large numbers at about 10:45 pm on August 2, 2026, killing Daniel Danjuma Chong (aka Hon. Star), a former councillor representing Rim Ward.

According to the group, “The attackers came from Kess, popularly known as Bangai-Fulani, and invaded the community while shooting sporadically.”

It further alleged that one Mr David Dachollom Danjuma also sustained a fatal gunshot injury during the attack before the assailants fled the area.

The group called on security agencies and the Plateau State Government to rise to the occasion and ensure the arrest of those responsible so that justice could prevail for the victim. It also extended condolences to the family of the deceased and the people of Torok Community.

The group condemned the continued killing of innocent citizens, describing it as unacceptable, and urged the authorities to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice while sustaining security efforts in the area and across the state.

DSP Alabo Alfred, the Plateau State Police spokesperson, is yet to officially comment on the incident.

Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have destroyed a suspected terrorist hideout and arrested five suspects during a clearance operation in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 11:00 am on August 1, targeting suspected terrorist enclaves in Atombagen, Chito, Tse Kighr, Tse Anaka and Sabongida Leke.

Although the suspects fled before the troops arrived, five individuals were arrested at Sabongida Leke over alleged links to criminal activities in the area.

The troops destroyed the suspected terrorist camp and several structures believed to have served as operational and logistics bases for the criminal elements.

“The operation targeted identified terrorist hideouts as part of ongoing efforts to deny armed groups freedom of movement and dismantle their operational infrastructure,” a military source said.

According to military sources, the operation forms part of sustained clearance missions across the Benue axis aimed at disrupting the activities of armed groups and restoring security in affected communities.

“The arrested suspects will undergo further investigation as security operations continue across the area,” another source said.

The military said the operation underscores ongoing efforts by Operation Whirl Stroke to degrade criminal networks and prevent them from re-establishing bases in Benue State.

Suspected bandits have released a kidnapped woman and her three daughters who were abducted from Ariyo Community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State after spending 180 days in captivity.

The victims were abducted alongside others during an attack on the community over the Easter period, during which several residents were reportedly killed.

The bandits had reportedly demanded a ransom of N1 billion before releasing the victims.

Confirming the release on his verified Facebook page, former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the late Governor Ibrahim Yakowa, Reuben Buhari, wrote: “Do you remember the woman from Ariko village who gave birth in the kidnappers’ den, and someone had to use her teeth to cut the umbilical cord? You remembered the child died after three weeks? Well, she is free now. She came out with her three remaining daughters after 180 days of captivity.

“She was pregnant when she was kidnapped with Christy, her 4-year-old, and two other girls aged 6 and 12. She got out on Saturday with her three children, but Christy, the four-year-old, was very ill while still at the camp. Her eyes and legs were swollen, and she couldn’t walk at all, so they had to carry her.

“Her mother carried her on her back. When she grew tired, she gave Christy to the 12-year-old to carry as well; though both were very weak, they continued to carry Christy that way. And all were walking barefoot.

“They walked until it grew dark, and then they slept in the bush. In the morning, they continued their walk. But while they were walking, Christy, the sick four-year-old, died. They continued with the dead child on their backs, still swapping when one got tired.

“At one point, the mother became very weak, and it was the 12-year-old who continued to carry her 4-year-old dead sister on her back until they reached a village in Kachia LGA on Sunday afternoon, where some people came to their rescue. From there, they were moved to another village, where they are now receiving medical care to stabilise them before they are brought to Kaduna.

“The remaining Ariko victims, including the 11 kidnapped from Awon village, are still in the kidnappers’ hands, and most of the remaining victims are emaciated like these. Pray for them please.”