Pastor Among Nine Killed as Gunmen Attack Plateau Communities

At least nine people, including a pastor, have been killed in a series of separate attacks reported in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring communities in Plateau State.

The attacks reportedly occurred between Saturday night and Sunday morning, leaving residents dead and further heightening tension in communities already affected by recurring security challenges.

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

Two other people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed on Sunday morning while travelling to church at Dorowa Babuje.

The National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Bulus Dabit, confirmed the attack at Gana-Ropp, saying five people were killed.

Dabit condemned the incident and expressed concern over the continued attacks, which he said had created fear and uncertainty among residents.

He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to identify the perpetrators, apprehend them and ensure that they face justice.

The Pyem Youth Leader in Gana-Ropp, Ukasha Garaba, also confirmed the attack.
According to him, the victims were passengers travelling to the community to work as labourers.

“We evacuated the corpses of five persons from Gana-Ropp. They were passengers who were travelling as labourers,” Garaba said.

In another incident at Dorowa Babuje, two people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed while they were on their way to church on Sunday morning.

A woman was also reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area on Saturday night, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in the Fan District.

The spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incidents and condemned the attacks on civilians.

“We learnt that the
L pastor was going to church when he was attacked and killed. We condemn these attacks in the strongest terms,” Tengwong said.

He called for urgent action by security agencies to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among residents.

“The killing of innocent people must stop,” he added.
Tengwong urged security authorities to strengthen their presence in the affected communities, thoroughly investigate the incidents and ensure that anyone found responsible is arrested and prosecuted.

The attacks were not limited to human casualties, as several cattle were also
reportedly killed or stolen around Dorowa Maranba and the Kantoma axis at about 3am on Sunday.

The Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Barkin Ladi, Gambo Abubakar, confirmed the reported cattle rustling and called on security agencies to investigate the incident.

He also appealed for measures to restore calm and prevent further escalation of tension between communities.

Residents in Kantoma and surrounding communities were said to have remained tense following the attacks, with concerns over possible further incidents.

The latest violence has renewed calls from community leaders for stronger security measures and sustained efforts to protect residents and their property.

As of the time of filing the report, the spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, had not responded to inquiries concerning the incidents.

However, sources at the command headquarters said the state Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, had deployed additional security personnel to the affected communities.

The fresh attacks add to continuing security concerns in parts of Plateau State, where communities have repeatedly called for improved security presence, rapid response to attacks and the prosecution of suspected perpetrators.

Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the affected areas as security personnel work to prevent further violence and restore normalcy.

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