Fresh violence has erupted in Plateau State after gunmen attacked the Nding Susut community in the Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, killing five persons and injuring three others.
The late-night attack, which occurred around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, has heightened fears among residents already grappling with recurring violence across parts of the state.
Residents said the assailants stormed the community and opened fire on people seated outside their homes, causing panic as families fled for safety.
A community member, Weng Christopher, said the attackers targeted members of a family who were gathered in their compound.
According to him, one of the victims initially escaped but was later pursued and killed by the gunmen.
“This is becoming too frequent. People are living in constant fear. We can no longer sleep peacefully because these attacks keep happening,” Christopher said.
The Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, also condemned the killings, describing the repeated attacks in the area as disturbing.
“The gunmen came around 8 p.m. and attacked members of a family who were sitting outside. One person ran away but was later traced and killed,” Tengwong said.
He expressed concern that the attacked community is located about 50 metres from a military checkpoint, yet the assailants were able to strike and escape without being apprehended.
“It is disturbing that this community is very close to a military checkpoint, yet these attackers continue to strike and escape without arrests,” he added.
Tengwong further disclosed that the gunmen attempted to attack the neighbouring Rim community in Riyom Local Government Area on the same night but were repelled by local vigilantes and operatives of Operation Rainbow.
Confirming the incident, the Plateau State Police Command said five persons — four females and a nine-year-old boy — were killed in the attack, while three other female victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Alfred Alabo, said the corpses of the deceased had been deposited in the hospital mortuary.
“The assailants opened fire on residents who were seated in front of their houses, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives, four females and one nine-year-old boy. Three other victims, all females, sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment,” the statement read.
The police said officers led by the Divisional Police Officer in Barkin Ladi were immediately deployed to the scene after receiving reports of the attack, adding that the area had been secured and normalcy was gradually returning.
Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, condemned the killings and announced the deployment of additional tactical teams and operational assets to the area to forestall further violence.
“The Plateau State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and restoring lasting peace in the state. We urge residents to remain calm and law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing investigations,” Ewah said.
The latest attack comes barely a week after another deadly incident reportedly claimed five lives in the same axis, worsening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Plateau communities.
