Residents of two communities in Plateau State have been plunged into mourning following coordinated attacks that claimed at least six lives and left several others hospitalised.
The incidents occurred in Shonun community of Riyom Local Government Area and Hurum in Gashish District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, further heightening concerns over persistent insecurity in the region.
Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Tengong Rwang, said the attacks took place on the same night, with assailants reportedly arriving on foot and wielding sophisticated weapons.
According to him, four people were killed in Hurum, while five others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment. In Shonun, two people were confirmed dead, with three others hospitalised following the assault.
Rwang alleged that residents of Shonun had earlier raised alarm over the influx of unknown herders into the area, a development he said was reported to security agencies without any visible response.
“The people of Shonun had informed security operatives about strange movements into the community, but nothing seemed to have been done,” he said.
He further claimed that in the days leading up to the attacks, herders in the area had brought in unfamiliar individuals in trucks, prompting residents to evacuate women and children over fears of imminent violence.
Describing the affected communities as long-suffering, Rwang noted that repeated attacks have forced many residents to abandon their homes and seek refuge in safer locations.
“These are communities that have suffered repeated attacks. Most people have fled for fear of being killed,” he added.
He said local vigilantes attempted to resist the attackers but were overwhelmed by their superior firepower, resulting in the casualties recorded.
Rwang also criticised what he described as the ineffectiveness of security presence in Shonun, insisting that despite the deployment of security personnel, little has been done to stem the violence.
“We are still calling on the government to act swiftly and rid our communities of these attackers,” he said.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in Plateau State, Alfred Alabo, said he had yet to receive a formal briefing on the incidents as of press time, but assured that updates would be provided after consultations with divisional officers in the affected areas.
The latest attacks add to a growing wave of violence in the state, underscoring renewed concerns over the safety of rural communities and the urgent need for decisive security intervention.
