Gunmen Attack Former Minister’s Home In Plateau, Leaving One Dead And Policeman Injured.
A violent assault by unknown gunmen on the residence of former Minister of Sports, Damishi Sango, in Dalwal village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, has left one person dead and a police officer wounded. The attack, which occurred at approximately 10:46 p.m. on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, has heightened concerns about escalating insecurity in the region, prompting swift responses from local authorities and security forces.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the assailants stormed Sango’s compound, opening fire on those present. A female relative of the former minister was fatally shot and later died while receiving treatment at Plateau Specialists Hospital in Jos. Inspector Walba Go Tom, a police officer from the Special Protection Unit Base 4, Makurdi, attached to Sango, sustained gunshot wounds and is currently hospitalised but responding to treatment. The attackers also seized the officer’s service rifle, an assault weapon, before fleeing the scene.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents expressing alarm over the audacity of the attack on a high-profile figure’s home. Sango, a prominent politician and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), served as Minister of Sports under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. His residence in Dalwal, a relatively quiet village, had not previously been a target of such violence, making the attack particularly unsettling.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the incident, with spokesperson DSP Alabo Alfred stating that a manhunt is underway to apprehend the perpetrators. “We are working tirelessly with other security agencies to track down those responsible for this heinous act,” Alfred said, adding that investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack. Security has been heightened in Riyom and surrounding areas to prevent further incidents.
The attack comes amid a surge in violence across Plateau State, which has a history of communal clashes and banditry. Just months ago, in April 2025, gunmen killed at least 52 people and displaced nearly 2,000 in Bokkos, a neighbouring district, in attacks linked to tensions between farmers and herders. The National Emergency Management Agency reported widespread destruction of property in that incident, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to such assaults.
Local leaders have called for urgent action to address the deteriorating security situation. The Benue Good Governance Network, a civil society group, condemned the attack on Sango’s home, describing it as a “brazen assault on the safety of citizens.” They urged the federal government to deploy additional resources to tackle banditry and ensure justice for the victims.
Posts on X reflect public outrage and concern, with users demanding stronger security measures and accountability. One user wrote, “Plateau is bleeding again. How can gunmen attack a former minister’s home and escape? The government must act now.” Others expressed sympathy for the victims, calling for prayers and support for the injured officer and the family of the deceased.
The attack has also reignited debates about the proliferation of arms in Nigeria’s North-Central region, with analysts pointing to the need for comprehensive disarmament and community engagement to curb violence. As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s security apparatus, particularly in areas plagued by recurring attacks. Authorities have vowed to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of the culprits, while residents await assurances that peace will be restored to Plateau State.
