Fresh violence has erupted in Plateau State following a deadly attack by gunmen on the Nding Susut community in the Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, leaving five people dead and three others injured, police authorities have confirmed.
The late-night assault, which occurred on Tuesday, has heightened anxiety among residents amid growing concerns over recurring attacks in the area. Witnesses said the assailants stormed the community at about 8 p.m. and opened fire on residents seated outside their homes.
A community member, Weng Christopher, said the attackers targeted a family gathered in their compound, causing panic. According to him, one victim initially escaped but was later pursued and killed.
“This is becoming too frequent. People are living in constant fear. We can no longer sleep peacefully because these attacks keep happening,” he said.
Reacting, the Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, condemned the killings, describing the repeated attacks as troubling. He noted that the community lies close to a military checkpoint, yet such incidents persist without arrests.
Tengwong added that the gunmen also attempted to attack the nearby Rim community in Riyom Local Government Area but were repelled by local vigilantes and personnel of Operation Rainbow.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed that the victims included four women and a nine-year-old boy, while three other women sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at a General Hospital. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited in the mortuary.
Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo said officers were immediately deployed to the scene, adding that the area has been secured and normalcy is gradually returning.
The Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, condemned the attack and announced the deployment of additional tactical teams to the area to forestall further violence.
“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,” he said.
The latest incident comes barely a week after a similar attack claimed five lives in the same area, intensifying fears over the worsening security situation in Plateau communities.