JOS — At least nine people have been killed in a fresh wave of attacks across Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring communities in Plateau State, triggering tension and the evacuation of women and children to safer locations.
The attacks reportedly occurred between Saturday night and Sunday morning, with five of the victims said to have been passengers travelling to Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Two others, including a pastor, were reportedly killed on their way to church at Dorowa Babuje on Sunday morning.
A woman was also reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area on Saturday night, September 19, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in Fan District.
Several cattle were also reportedly killed or stolen at Dorowa Maranba and the Kantoma axis at about 3 a.m. on Sunday.
The National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Bulus Dabit, confirmed the killing of the five passengers at Gana-Ropp and condemned the attack, calling on security agencies to arrest those responsible.
The Pyem Youth Leader in Gana-Ropp, Ukasha Garaba, also confirmed the incident, saying the victims were travelling as labourers.
“We evacuated the corpses of five persons from Gana-Ropp. They were passengers who were travelling as labourers,” Garaba said.
Similarly, the spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attacks and described the killings as worrisome and unacceptable.
Tension has also reportedly gripped Dorowa Babuje following renewed gunshots heard from the direction of Kantoma, forcing women and children to flee the area.
A resident, Lawrence Shong, said gunshots were still being heard around midday on Sunday.
“As I speak to you, at about 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, we are still hearing sounds of gunshots. Women and children are currently being evacuated because of the ongoing attack,” Shong said.
Tengwong, who was said to be in the community, confirmed that military personnel had been deployed to the area.
“Military personnel have been drafted to the community, and what we need now is sustained security deployment to protect the people and prevent further attacks,” he said.
The Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Barkin Ladi, Gambo Abubakar, also confirmed reports of cattle being stolen in the area.
Abubakar urged security agencies to investigate the incident and take appropriate action.
The latest attacks have heightened concerns over the security situation in parts of Plateau State, with community leaders calling for sustained security presence to prevent further violence and protect residents.
