Gunmen Kill Six, Injure Eight in Fresh Plateau Community Attacks

Gunmen Kill Six, Injure Eight in Fresh Plateau Community Attacks

Six persons have been killed and eight others injured following two separate night attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State, in what residents described as a coordinated wave of violence that has reignited insecurity concerns in the state.

The attacks occurred on Sunday night in Hurum Gashish community in Barkin Ladi and Shonong Bachi community in Riyom, leaving several families in mourning and many residents displaced.

In the first incident, gunmen reportedly invaded Hurum Gashish community around 10 p.m., opening fire on residents. Four people were killed instantly, while five others sustained injuries during the attack.

Barely an hour later, another group of armed attackers stormed Shonong Bachi community in Riyom Local Government Area at about 11 p.m., shooting sporadically and killing two residents while injuring three others.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers moved through the communities while firing indiscriminately, causing widespread panic as residents fled into nearby bushes and surrounding areas for safety.

The incidents have further heightened concerns over rural insecurity in Plateau State, where communities have continued to suffer repeated attacks linked to armed violence and communal tensions.

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The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tenglong, confirmed the attacks and said the communities had been thrown into mourning following the deadly incidents.

He condemned the renewed violence, describing it as disturbing and unacceptable, and called for urgent action to stop the recurring attacks in rural parts of the state.

Tenglong also confirmed that the injured victims have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, where they are currently receiving medical care.

Security sources say patrols have been intensified in the affected areas, with operatives deployed to prevent further attacks and maintain order.

However, attempts to reach the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

The latest killings add to a growing pattern of violent attacks in Plateau State, where residents have repeatedly raised concerns over safety, displacement, and lack of adequate security presence in rural communities.

Community leaders are again calling on security agencies and government authorities to strengthen protection mechanisms and address the root causes of the recurring violence.

While calm has reportedly returned to the affected areas, tension remains high as residents await official government response and improved security deployment.

Gunmen Kill Six, Injure Eight in Fresh Plateau Community Attacks