Shonong, the remote village in Riyom LGA which in recent times has witnessed series of Attacks (up to 5 separate attacks) and the death of over 100 people is back in the new again.

This time around, not for the senseless murder of over 30 people as was the case on the 4th of January 2015 when suspected Fulani marauders killed innocent villages, but for the gruesome murder of an influential youth leader in the area in. The deceased –Mr, Iliya Nyang Vomagai (popularly called “Ma

Shonong, the remote village in Riyom LGA which in recent times has witnessed series of Attacks (up to 5 separate attacks) and the death of over 100 people is back in the News -and again, not for good reasons!

This time, not quite for the senseless murder of over 30 people as was the case on the 4th of January 2014 when suspected Fulani marauders killed innocent villagers, but for the gruesome murder of an influential youth leader in the area. The deceased –Mr, Iliya Nyang Vomagai (popularly called “Masses”), was a well known figure in Shonong and environs. He commanded a very healthy amount of respect amd adulation from both the Berom natives and their feuding Fulani marauders. He was said to have been an influential figure in the negotiations for peace between the Fulani herdsmen and their Berom counterparts. And was always optimistic about the prospect of ending the incessant hostilities through dialogue and sacrifices.

“Masses” was said to have been ambushed by Fulani marauders and shot dead yesterday morning around the Shonong area on his way back from outside the village. This sad development is happening at the backdrop of a plea by Berom natives in the area, who last week discovered a terrorist training camp around Rim (a few kilometres from Shonong) and pleaded with security agencies to come to their. The security agents were said to have taken the plea lightly, asking for more details and failing to respond adequately.

The discovery of the terrorist training camp was said to have happened following an invitation by the terrorist to fellow Fulani residents living with the Beroms to come and join the camp. However, these Fulani’s declined the invitation and instead intimated their Berom neighbours. This collaboration and brotherhood is truly commendable of the Fulani neighbours and demonstrates that a lot can be achieve in terms of intelligence gathering if people work together.

At the time of filing this report, no arrests had been made and the Member of the House of Assembly for the area, Mr. Daniel Dem said that security agents arrived late and therefore there was not much traction on the case.

-ShonongInRuins-

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Another gruesome murder at Shonong village, Riyom -Plateau state