Residents of two communities in Plateau State are mourning again after coordinated night attacks left at least six people dead and several others injured.
The attacks reportedly occurred in Shonun community in Riyom Local Government Area and Hurum in Gashish District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, further worsening concerns over ongoing insecurity in the region.
According to a community source, Tengong Rwang of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, the assaults happened separately but on the same night, with armed attackers invading the areas on foot and using sophisticated weapons.
In Hurum, four residents were killed and five others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment. In Shonun, two people were confirmed dead while three others were hospitalised.
Rwang alleged that residents had earlier raised concerns about suspicious movements of unknown herders into the communities, claims he said were reported to security agencies but allegedly not acted upon.
He also stated that in the days leading up to the attacks, some herders were seen bringing unfamiliar individuals into the area using trucks, which led some residents to evacuate women and children in fear of violence.
The affected communities, he said, have faced repeated attacks over time, forcing many residents to abandon their homes and relocate to safer areas.
He further claimed that although local vigilantes attempted to resist the attackers, they were overpowered due to superior weapons used by the assailants.
Residents have now renewed calls for stronger government and security intervention, urging authorities to take urgent action to prevent further violence.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, said he had not yet received a full briefing on the incident but assured that updates would be provided after verification from divisional officers in the affected areas.
The latest killings add to a growing pattern of violent attacks in Plateau State, raising fresh concerns about the safety of rural communities and the need for stronger security response.
