Six Killed, Several Injured In Fresh Plateau Attacks

By Tgnews Reporter

Residents of two communities in Plateau State are mourning after coordinated night attacks that claimed at least six lives and left several others injured.

The incidents took place in Shonun community of Riyom Local Government Area and Hurum in Gashish District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

According to Tengong Rwang, Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, the attacks occurred on the same night. Assailants arrived on foot armed with sophisticated weapons.

In Hurum, four people were killed while five others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment in hospital. In Shonun, two people died and three more were hospitalised.

Rwang said residents of Shonun had earlier raised the alarm over the influx of unknown herders into the area. He claimed the suspicious movements were reported to security agencies but no action was taken.

He added that in the past week, herders around the village brought in unfamiliar persons in trucks, forcing many residents to evacuate women and children out of fear.

“These are communities that have suffered repeated attacks. Most people have abandoned their homes for fear of being killed,” Rwang said.

Local vigilantes tried to repel the attackers but were overpowered due to the assailants’ superior firepower.

Rwang criticised the lack of effective security presence in Shonun, despite security units being stationed in the area. He called on the government to act swiftly to protect the communities.

When contacted, the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, said he had not yet received a formal briefing on the incidents. He promised to provide an update once details are obtained from the Divisional Police Officers in the affected areas.

The fresh attacks have once again highlighted the persistent insecurity in rural communities of Plateau State and the need for stronger security measures.