No fewer than 12 people have been killed in separate attacks on communities in Riyom and Bassa local government areas of Plateau State.
The attacks, which took place between the late hours of May 8 and the early hours of May 9, come amid renewed violence and reprisal killings in parts of the state.
Security sources told counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama that suspected militia members attacked Gwa Rim village in Riyom LGA around 11pm on Thursday, killing three persons.
According to the sources, troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), who had earlier been deployed to Angwan Wereng following a security alert, responded after receiving distress calls over gunfire in the area.
“On arrival at the scene, troops discovered three locals already killed by the attackers who fled on sighting the advancing security personnel,” a military source said.
The victims were identified as Alpha David, Matthew Solomon, and Timothy Dachung.
Security personnel later secured the area and launched operations to track down the fleeing attackers and prevent further violence.
Tension reportedly rose after some youths resisted attempts by security operatives to move the corpses to a mortuary.
In another incident, at least nine persons were killed after gunmen attacked Zhe Brazongo village in Bassa LGA.
Sources said the attack occurred around 12:15am on Friday after troops received reports of gunshots from the community.
Troops reportedly moved to the village following the distress call, but the attackers had escaped before security operatives arrived.
“During search operations around the village, troops discovered nine corpses of villagers with gunshot wounds and machete cuts,” another military source said.
Preliminary reports indicated that the attackers stormed the community in large numbers, opened fire on residents, and fled through nearby routes.
Several residents were also said to have sustained injuries during the attack.
Security operatives later took control of the area to restore calm and prevent further attacks.
The latest incidents are part of the renewed violence affecting communities in Riyom, Bassa, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State.
Military authorities said troops of Operation Enduring Peace have intensified patrols, rapid response operations, and intelligence-led missions across vulnerable communities to tackle the worsening security situation.