Nine Christians, Infant Killed Near Plateau Security Checkpoint

By Palang Paul

At least nine Christians, including a two-month-old baby, have been killed by Fulani Ethnic Militias (FEM) in Plateau State Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

The attack occurred late Saturday night of 11th July 2026 in Kum and Wereng-Camp communities of Riyom Local Government Area, where residents said the Fulani militants invaded at about 11:30 p.m.

The assault reportedly lasted for more than one hour, despite the affected communities being less than one kilometre from a security checkpoint, raising fresh questions over the response of security personnel.

Residents and survivors said security operatives arrived only after the Fulani Ethnic Militias had carried out the killings and fled the communities.

Nine members of the same Christian family, including the two-month-old infant, were reportedly killed inside their home during the coordinated attack.

Those killed in Kum community have been identified as Celina Dung, 38; Yohanna James, 21; Jenet Yohanna, an infant; Sele James, 18; Melody James, 14; Retro James, 10; Endurance James, 8; Peace James, 4; and Pam Yohanna, 40.

The village head was also critically injured by the attackers and rushed to hospital for treatment.

Two residents, Precious Tok and Joyce, said the Fulani militias invaded the communities in large numbers, shooting indiscriminately and forcing terrified residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the attack, saying the assailants struck under the cover of darkness and unleashed violence on defenceless residents.

The latest killings have renewed concerns over persistent attacks on predominantly Christian communities across Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

Residents are questioning how an attack could continue for more than an hour less than a kilometre from a security checkpoint without immediate intervention to stop the killings.

Security personnel were later deployed to the affected communities, while surviving residents remained displaced and fearful of further attacks.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Plateau State Government nor the Plateau State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the attack or respond to questions over the timing of the security response.