Five Killed, Three Injured in Fresh Gunmen Attack on Plateau Community

At least five people, including a nine-year-old boy, have been killed in a late-night attack by gunmen in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, raising fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in the state.

Residents said the attackers stormed the community around 8 p.m. on Tuesday and opened fire on people sitting outside their homes, causing panic and confusion.

A resident, Weng Christopher, said members of a family were targeted while seated in their compound. According to him, one of the victims initially escaped but was later chased down and killed by the attackers.

“This is becoming too frequent. People are living in constant fear. We can no longer sleep peacefully because these attacks keep happening,” he lamented.

Reacting to the incident, Berom Youth Moulders Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, condemned the killings and described the repeated attacks as deeply troubling.

He expressed concern that the affected community is located close to a military checkpoint, yet armed assailants continue to carry out attacks and escape without being apprehended.

Tengwong also disclosed that the gunmen attempted to invade the Rim community in neighbouring Riyom Local Government Area on the same night but were reportedly repelled by local vigilantes and personnel of Operation Rainbow.

Confirming the incident, the Plateau State Police Command said five persons — four females and a nine-year-old boy — lost their lives during the attack.

Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo stated that three other women sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital, while the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital mortuary.

According to the police, officers led by the Divisional Police Officer in Barkin Ladi were immediately deployed to the area after reports of the attack were received, and security has since been reinforced.

The Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Bassey Ewah, condemned the killings and announced the deployment of additional tactical teams and operational assets to prevent further violence.

He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.

The latest attack comes barely one week after another deadly incident reportedly claimed five lives in the same area, further deepening fears among residents over persistent violence in Plateau communities.