Six villagers have been reportedly killed as gunmen renewed attack on Marit and Gashish communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack which occurred on Monday night while residents were sleeping, had many others wounded and hospitalised.
The Chairman of Barikin Ladi Local Government, Stephen Pwajok Gyang, stated this in a statement by his spokesperson, Mercy Yop Chuwang, adding that the victims had been given mass burial on Monday.
The council boss condemned the attacks and called for proactive measures to prevent further bloodshed in the area and the local government at large.
According to Chuwang, “During a visit to those injured in the attack at the Barkin Ladi General Hospital, Gyang expressed profound sadness and disappointment over the resurgence of violence in the area especially when the local government administration is working tirelessly to promote peace and stability.
“Gyang acknowledged the efforts of vigilantes and security agencies in maintaining law and order, while urging them to be more proactive and vigilant in preventing further attacks. He emphasized that the cycle of violence must be brought to an end and called on all relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, community leaders, and residents, to join hands in promoting peace and security in Barkin Ladi.”
The statement said Gyang prayed to God to comfort and grant peace to the affected families and communities, while admonishing healthcare personnel to urgently attend to the survivors’ health needs.
Security agencies including Operation Safe Haven, a security task force maintaining peace in the state, and state police command, were yet to issue statement regarding the development as of the time of this report.
The latest attack came barely two weeks after similar ones against communities in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs, between March and April 2025, where over a 100 people, including women and children, were killed.
The attacks were also followed by reports of alleged shooting and poisoning of cattle in some communities in Bassa, Riyom and Mangu LGAs.
