Five killed in Plateau village attack

The police have confirmed that five people were killed and several others injured in an attack in Gwan-Ajang, a village in Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State.

Alfred Alabo, the police public relations officer for the state command, said the attack happened on Sunday night. Gunmen opened fire on residents who had come together for a social event.

In a statement obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Alabo said officers from the Gindiri Division got a distress call at about 9:22 p.m. They quickly moved to the community.

"On arrival, our officers met a grim scene with some persons lying in pools of their blood. Five victims were confirmed dead, while more than 10 others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment," he said.

According to him, the attack happened while residents were enjoying a gathering. The village's location, near the boundary of Barkin Ladi and Mangu local government areas, caused some confusion about where the incident took place.

"The area is sometimes reported as either Barkin Ladi or Mangu, depending on the source of the information," the police spokesperson said.

Mr Alabo mentioned that the Commissioner of Police ordered more police operations in the area. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations is coordinating the response.

He added that police are working with other security agencies, including Operation Enduring Peace, to restore calm and catch those responsible.

"Our men are on the ground. Joint patrols and surveillance have been intensified, and we have credible intelligence that will aid arrests," he said, noting that normalcy has mostly returned to the area.

However, the Berom Youths Moulder-Association disagreed with the police casualty figure. They claimed at least seven people were killed in the attack.

Rwang Tengwong, the National Publicity Secretary of the group, said the victims were shot when armed assailants invaded the village at about 9:30 p.m.

The group also said more than 10 people were seriously injured and are receiving treatment in hospitals.

Police authorities stated that investigations are ongoing. They urged residents to stay calm and work with security agencies by providing useful information that could lead to the arrest of the attackers.

This attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in parts of Plateau State, especially in Barkin Ladi and nearby local government areas, despite ongoing security operations.