Fresh Plateau Attacks: Pastor, 8 Passengers Killed

At least nine persons have been killed in separate attacks across Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring communities in Plateau State, with residents fleeing affected areas amid renewed tension.

Five of the victims were passengers travelling to Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area when gunmen reportedly attacked them on Saturday night.

Community sources said the victims were travelling as labourers when they were ambushed. The Pyem Youth Leader in Gana-Ropp, Ukasha Garaba, said five bodies were evacuated from the area after the attack.

In a separate incident on Sunday morning, two people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed while travelling to church at Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi.

The spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attacks and condemned the killings, describing them as unacceptable.

He said the pastor was on his way to church when he was attacked and killed, adding that the continued violence was causing fear among residents.

Another 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.

At Dorowa Babuje, tension reportedly mounted after renewed gunshots were heard from the direction of Kantoma, prompting women and children to flee to safer locations.

A community member, Lawrence Shong, said gunfire was still being heard around midday, while residents were being evacuated from vulnerable areas.

The National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Bulus Dabit, confirmed the killing of the five passengers at Gana-Ropp and called on security agencies to arrest those responsible.

He urged authorities to strengthen security in vulnerable communities and ensure residents could carry out their lawful activities without fear.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Barkin Ladi, Gambo Abubakar, confirmed reports of cattle being stolen in the area and urged security agencies to investigate.

Several cattle were reportedly killed or stolen around Dorowa Maranba and the Kantoma axis during the early hours of Sunday.

The latest incidents have renewed concerns over insecurity in Plateau, where recurring attacks have caused deaths, fear and displacement in several communities.

Residents and community representatives called for stronger security presence and faster intervention to prevent the violence from spreading to neighbouring areas.

Security agencies have been urged to protect communities across Plateau.