Residents of two communities in Plateau State are once again in mourning after coordinated attacks left at least six people dead and several others injured and hospitalised.
The affected communities, Shonun in Riyom Local Government Area and Hurum in Gashish District of Barkin Ladi came under attack on the same night, raising fresh concerns over worsening insecurity in the region.
According to the Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Tengong Rwang, the attackers reportedly stormed the communities on foot and were armed with sophisticated weapons.
He disclosed that four people were killed in Hurum, while five others sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. In Shonun, two persons were confirmed dead, with three others injured and hospitalised.
Rwang alleged that residents of Shonun had earlier raised concerns over unusual movements of unknown herders into the area, which were reportedly communicated to security agencies without any visible intervention.
“The people of Shonun had earlier informed security operatives about strange movements into the community, but nothing seemed to have been done,” he said.
He further claimed that in the days leading up to the attacks, herders in the area allegedly moved unfamiliar individuals into the community using trucks, prompting residents to evacuate women and children out of fear.
Describing the situation as deeply troubling, he said repeated violence has forced many residents to flee their homes, leaving several communities partially deserted.
“These are communities that have suffered repeated attacks. Most people have abandoned their homes for fear of being killed,” he added.
Rwang noted that local vigilantes attempted to resist the attackers but were overpowered due to the superior firepower of the assailants.
He also criticised the security situation in the area, saying the presence of security personnel has not translated into effective protection for residents, as attacks continue to recur.
“We are still calling on the government to act swiftly and rid our communities of these attackers,” he said.
When contacted, the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, said he had not yet received a formal briefing on the incident but assured that updates would be provided after verification from field officers.
The latest violence adds to a growing wave of attacks in Plateau State, intensifying concerns over rural security and the need for stronger and more effective intervention by authorities.
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