Fear and tension have gripped Nding Susut community in Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State after gunmen attacked the area on Tuesday night, killing five people, including members of the same family.
The assault, which happened around 9 pm, has left residents shaken and heightened concerns over persistent violence in parts of the state.
Christopher said, “Five members of the same family were killed on the spot, while another resident of the community was also killed during the attack.”
“This is becoming too frequent. People are living in constant fear,” Christopher lamented, describing the situation as “alarming and distressing for residents.”
The Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the incident, condemning the killings and calling for urgent security intervention.
“The spate of attacks is one too many,” Tengwong said, urging authorities “to intensify efforts to protect lives and property across Plateau State.”
He further revealed that the gunmen attempted to invade the Rim community in neighbouring Riyom Local Government Area the same night but were repelled by local vigilantes and personnel of Operation Rainbow.
The Plateau State Police Command also confirmed the incident and denounced the attack in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to the statement signed by the police spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, “The Plateau State Police Command regrets to confirm a deadly attack by yet-to-be-identified gunmen on Nding Susut Community, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, late in the night of 05/5/26.”
The police added that the attackers “opened fire on residents who were seated in front of their houses, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives, four females and one 9-year-old boy.
“Three other victims, all females, sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at General Hospital, while the corpses of the deceased have been deposited at the morgue.
“Upon receipt of the report, a team of policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer, Barkin Ladi, was immediately mobilised to the scene. The area has since been secured, and normalcy is gradually being restored,” the statement read.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, “strongly condemns this senseless act of violence and extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire community of Nding Susut.”
To prevent further attacks, Ewah said he has “immediately deployed additional tactical teams and operational assets to Barkin Ladi LGA,” including mobile police units and specialised teams for patrol, intelligence gathering, and rapid response.
The command added that investigations are ongoing and that it is collaborating with other security agencies and community leaders “to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.”
CP Ewah urged residents to “remain calm, law-abiding, and to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid investigations,” while also sharing emergency contact lines for reporting suspicious activities.
The latest attack has further deepened fear among residents of Barkin Ladi, many of whom say they no longer feel safe even in their homes.
Community members are now calling on both state and federal authorities to take decisive steps to prevent further loss of lives.