Gunmen Kill Family of Five in Fresh Plateau Attack as Security Fears Deepen

Police confirm deaths of four women and a nine-year-old boy in Barkin Ladi community attack

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By Joel Bakut – JOS, NIGERIA — May 7, 2026

Fresh violence has erupted in Plateau State after gunmen attacked the Nding Susut community in the Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, killing five members of a family and injuring three others in a late-night assault that has intensified fears over worsening insecurity in the state.

Gunmen Open Fire On Residents

According to residents, the attackers stormed the community at about 8 p.m. on Tuesday and opened fire on people gathered outside their homes.

A community member, Weng Christopher, said the gunmen specifically targeted members of a family seated in their compound, causing panic across the area.

He disclosed that one of the victims initially escaped from the attack but was later tracked down and killed by the assailants.

“This is becoming too frequent. People are living in constant fear. We can no longer sleep peacefully because these attacks keep happening,” Christopher lamented.

Community Leaders Condemn Killings

The Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, condemned the killings, describing the repeated attacks on communities in the area as alarming and unacceptable.

“The gunmen came around 8 p.m. and attacked members of a family who were sitting outside. One person ran away but was later traced and killed,” Tengwong stated.

He expressed concern that the attacked community is located barely 50 metres away from a military checkpoint, yet the assailants reportedly carried out the operation and escaped without resistance or arrest.

“It is disturbing that this community is very close to a military checkpoint, yet these attackers continue to strike and escape without arrests,” he added.

Tengwong further revealed that the attackers allegedly attempted another invasion of the Rim community in neighbouring Riyom Local Government Area on the same night but were repelled by local vigilantes and personnel of Operation Rainbow.

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Police Confirm Casualties, Deploy Tactical Teams

The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that five persons — identified as four females and a nine-year-old boy — lost their lives during the attack.

Police spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, said three other female victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital.

“The assailants opened fire on residents who were seated in front of their houses, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives, four females and one nine-year-old boy. Three other victims, all females, sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment,” the statement read.

According to the police, the corpses of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital mortuary.

The command disclosed that officers led by the Divisional Police Officer in Barkin Ladi were immediately mobilised to the scene after distress reports were received, adding that security operatives had secured the area and restored relative calm.

Police Commissioner Condemns Attack

Reacting to the incident, Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, condemned the killings and announced the deployment of additional tactical teams and operational assets to the affected area to forestall further violence.

“The Plateau State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and restoring lasting peace in the state. We urge residents to remain calm and law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing investigations,” Ewah said.

Renewed Security Concerns In Plateau

The latest killings occurred barely one week after another deadly attack reportedly claimed five lives within the same axis, raising fresh concerns about the deteriorating security situation in parts of Plateau State.

Residents and community leaders have continued to call for stronger security intervention, insisting that recurring attacks have left many communities living in fear and uncertainty.

The fresh attack in Barkin Ladi underscores the persistent security challenges confronting Plateau State despite ongoing military and police operations. With repeated killings occurring in communities located close to security formations, pressure is mounting on authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve rapid response mechanisms, and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.