Another wave of violence has struck Plateau State after suspected gunmen attacked the Nding Susut community in the Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, killing five people and injuring three others.
The attack, which happened late Tuesday night, has further deepened fears among residents already worried about repeated killings in several communities across the state.
Residents said the assailants invaded the area around 8 p.m. and began shooting at people relaxing outside their homes.
A resident of the community, Weng Christopher, told Channels Television that the attackers targeted members of a family who were gathered in their compound, throwing the neighbourhood into confusion and panic.
He explained that one of the victims managed to flee during the attack but was later tracked down 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.
Also reacting to the incident, the Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, decried the continued bloodshed, describing the attacks as alarming and troubling.
“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 worry that the attacked community is situated close to a military checkpoint, yet the assailants reportedly carried out the operation and escaped 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 another attack on Rim community in neighbouring Riyom Local Government Area the same night but were resisted by local vigilantes alongside operatives of Operation Rainbow.
Confirming the incident, the Plateau State Police Command said five persons — four women and a nine-year-old boy — lost their lives during the assault. Three female victims also sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at the General Hospital.
Police spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, stated that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at 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.
According to the police, officers led by the Divisional Police Officer in Barkin Ladi were immediately deployed to the scene after distress reports were received. Authorities said security had been reinforced in the area while efforts were ongoing to restore calm.
The Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Bassey Ewah, condemned the killings and announced the deployment of more tactical operatives and security assets to Barkin Ladi to forestall further attacks.
“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 killings occurred barely a week after another deadly attack in the same area reportedly left five people dead, raising fresh concerns over worsening insecurity in Plateau communities.