At least nine people have died in fresh Plateau attacks across Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring communities, with the violence occurring between Saturday night and Sunday morning and leaving residents worried about further attacks. The incidents affected travellers, residents and a pastor, while renewed gunfire reportedly forced women and children to leave some vulnerable areas in search of safer locations.
The first major incident was reported on Saturday night when passengers travelling towards Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area came under attack. Five people were killed in the incident, according to community representatives who later confirmed that the victims were travelling as labourers. The Pyem Youth Leader in Gana-Ropp, Ukasha Garaba, said the bodies of the five victims were evacuated from the area after the attack.
The killings continued into Sunday morning at Dorowa Babuje, where two people, including a pastor, were reportedly attacked while travelling to church. The incident heightened tension around the Kantoma axis and neighbouring communities, with reports indicating that fear spread among residents as people became concerned about possible further violence.
Plateau Attacks Spread Fear Across Several Communities
Separate killings were also reported in other parts of the state during the same period. A woman was reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area on Saturday night, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in Fan District, bringing the reported death toll from the incidents to at least nine. Community representatives condemned the attacks and called on security agencies to investigate the incidents and pursue those responsible.
The violence also affected residents who were not directly involved in the attacks, as renewed gunshots reportedly created panic in Dorowa Babuje and surrounding areas. Women and children reportedly left vulnerable locations as families moved towards safer communities, while residents remained cautious because of concerns that further attacks could occur. Reports also indicated that the continuing tension disrupted normal activities in some communities.
The Berom Youth Moulders condemned the killings and called for stronger security measures in affected communities. Its spokesman, Rwang Tengwong, urged security agencies to strengthen their presence, investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible face prosecution. He also appealed to residents to remain calm and vigilant as authorities respond to the situation.
Security Presence Increased After Plateau Attacks
The latest Plateau attacks have renewed calls for better protection of residents and travellers moving through vulnerable areas of Barkin Ladi and Riyom. Community leaders have urged authorities to take measures that can prevent further killings and allow residents to continue their daily activities without fear.
The violence was also accompanied by reports of livestock being killed or stolen around Dorowa Maranba and the Kantoma axis in the early hours of Sunday. Gambo Abubakar, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria secretary in Barkin Ladi, confirmed reports of cattle being stolen and called for an investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, the fresh killings have left affected communities dealing with another period of uncertainty, particularly as residents wait for stronger security measures. The reports of deaths in different locations over the weekend have increased concern among community leaders, who continue to call for protection of lives and property and accountability for those responsible.
Residents in the affected communities have continued to express concern over the security situation, particularly because some of the attacks occurred while people were travelling between communities or preparing to attend religious activities. The incidents have therefore raised concerns about the safety of ordinary movement within the affected parts of Plateau State, where residents depend on roads connecting villages and settlements for work, worship and other daily activities.
The reported evacuation of women and children has further highlighted the level of fear created by the violence, as families sought to move away from locations where gunshots were reportedly heard. Community members have continued to appeal for a stronger and sustained security presence, saying timely intervention could help prevent additional attacks and reassure residents who remain in the affected areas.