In the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025, gunmen launched a murderous attack on the house of former Nigerian Minister of Sports, Chief Damishi Sango, in Dalwal village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. The incident, which has left one person dead and three others critically wounded, has sent shockwaves through the local community and revived worries about the continuous instability affecting the area.
According to various eyewitnesses and neighborhood sources, the perpetrators started terrorizing the area late on Wednesday night, apparently commencing their rampage about 11:00 p.m. By roughly 1:00 a.m., they had moved near Sango’s property, unleashing intermittent gunfire that broke the night’s calm.
“The bandits attacked the residence of Chief Damishi Sango in Dalwal village around 1 a.m. this morning, but we heard they started attacking the community from about 11 p.m. on Wednesday night,” a source said.
During the attack, a female relative of the former minister was tragically shot. Three others, including Inspector Walba Go Tom—a police orderly assigned to Sango from the Special Protection Unit Base 4 in Makurdi—sustained bullet wounds. The assailants also made away with the police officer’s service weapon, further underlining the brazenness of the operation.
The deceased, whose name is being kept awaiting notification of next of kin, died of her injuries while undergoing treatment at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos. The wounded, including Inspector Go Tom, are presently hospitalized and apparently responding to medical attention.
“A female relative of the former minister was also hit by gunfire and later died while receiving treatment at Plateau Specialists Hospital in Jos. The police officer is presently hospitalized and responding to treatment,” a local source confirmed.
Community members indicate that the assailants left the scene before security reinforcements could reach, leaving behind a path of anguish and dread.
Chief Damishi Tonson Sango, born January 1, 1950, is a notable figure in Nigerian politics. He served as the Minister of Sports from 1999 to 2001 during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government. Sango, a native of Ganawuri in Riyom LGA, Plateau State, has held several political roles, including Chairman of Barakin Ladi Local Government Area and a gubernatorial contender many times.
His stint as Sports Minister was distinguished by Nigeria’s participation in the All African Games in South Africa and the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Sango’s impact goes beyond athletics; he has been a key participant in Plateau State’s political scene, regularly engaging in intra-party disagreements and attempts to settle local issues.
The assault on Sango’s house is the latest in a string of violent episodes that have shaken Plateau State in recent years. The area has been a hotbed for community confrontations, banditry, and assaults by suspected herders, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and significant displacement. Just days before the assault on Sango’s house, gunmen allegedly attacked mourners in the Rim hamlet, amputating one teenager and wounding others.
Security specialists point to a mix of ethnic tensions, land conflicts, and the spread of illicit weaponry as reasons stoking the violence. The incapacity of security authorities to adequately react to these assaults has further damaged public trust and heightened a feeling of risk among citizens.
The incident has generated significant criticism from local leaders, civil society organizations, and political figures throughout Plateau State. Many saw it as a dismal reminder of the state’s persistent security issues and the urgent need for more muscular government engagement.
Timothy Dantong, the Liaison Officer to Governor Caleb Mutfwang for Riyom State Constituency, characterized the occurrence as “another tragic blow” to a community already suffering from continuous violence. He urged the federal and state governments to enhance efforts to safeguard rural areas and bring criminals to justice.
“Our people are living in fear. We need quick and decisive action from security services to restore peace and safeguard lives,” Dantong stated.
The Plateau State Police Command has initiated an inquiry into the assault. Preliminary indications indicate that the attackers may have been part of a bigger gang operating in the region, with the purpose for the assault still unknown. Police spokespersons have informed the public that measures are ongoing to capture the criminals and retrieve the stolen service weapon.
Meanwhile, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has allegedly been informed of the event and is likely to visit the affected neighborhood. In a statement, the governor’s office emphasized its commitment to enhancing security and helping victims of violence.
The assault on a high-profile politician like Damishi Sango highlights the reach and daring of armed groups operating in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. Analysts fear that such acts if allowed unchecked, might further destabilize the area and damage national security.
Political watchers remark that assaults targeting important persons typically have a chilling effect on public life, reducing civic involvement and growing hostility between citizens and the state.
For the people of Dalwal village and the greater Riyom LGA, the recent assault is more than a headline—it is a personal tragedy. Families are grieving lost loved ones, and survivors have a long road to rehabilitation, both physically and mentally.
Community leaders have called for enhanced vigilance and collaboration with security services but warn that enduring peace would involve tackling the core causes of violence, including poverty, unemployment, and social isolation.
As Plateau State grapples with the aftermath of yet another tragic assault, doubts persist regarding the efficiency of present security methods and the political will to enact long-term remedies. For Chief Damishi Sango and his family, the event is a sobering reminder of the perils faced by prominent officials and regular individuals alike in an area troubled by instability.
The tragedy has renewed discussion about the need for substantial security sector reforms, increased information collection, and more investment in community policing. It also demonstrates the perseverance of Plateau’s people, who continue to seek justice and peace in the face of persistent suffering.
The assault on the residence of former Minister Damishi Sango is a heartbreaking chapter in Plateau State’s continuing fight with violence and insecurity. As investigations continue and the community seeks healing, the occurrence serves as a sobering call to action for authorities at all levels to prioritize the safety of people and property and to strive towards a future when such tragedies become a thing of the past.
Post a Comment