At least five people have been confirmed dead following a late-night attack on Gwan-Ajang village in Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, according to the state police command.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday night, has once again raised concerns over security in parts of Plateau State, with several others reportedly injured during the assault.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Alfred Alabo, said officers attached to the Gindiri Division received a distress call at about 9:22 p.m. and immediately moved to the affected community.
According to him, the attack happened while residents were gathered for a social function in the village.
“We got a call of a shooting that happened around Gwan-Ajang village, and we mobilised men to stabilise the situation.
“From what we gathered, some members of the community were having an occasion or a party when they suddenly heard sporadic shooting, ” he said.
The police spokesperson disclosed that security operatives met a tragic scene upon arrival, with several victims lying in pools of blood.
“When our men got there, they met some persons in pools of their blood. As I speak to you, five of them were confirmed dead,” he stated.
Alabo explained that reports on the exact location of the attack have varied because the community lies close to the boundary between Barkin Ladi and Mangu local government areas.
“Depending on where people are telling the story from, some say Barkin Ladi, others say Mangu,” he added.
In response to the attack, the Commissioner of Police was said to have directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations to intensify security measures in the area.
The PPRO also revealed that security agencies have launched joint operations aimed at tracking down those responsible for the killings.
“Our men are there, and we are working with Operation Enduring Peace, who have also made deployments.
”Calm has been restored, and we are looking forward to making some arrests because we have good intel,” he said.
However, a different casualty figure was provided by the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Rwang Tengwong, who claimed that seven people lost their lives during the attack.
“At least seven persons have been reportedly killed in another armed invasion by armed Fulani gangs at about 9:30 p.m. in Gwan-Ajang village,” Tengwong alleged.
He further stated that more than 10 persons sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals.
According to community sources, the latest violence occurred after a period of relative peace in several parts of Plateau State.
The sources claimed that attacks had reduced considerably before the recent incident, although security authorities have not independently confirmed the assertion.
Meanwhile, security agencies said investigations into the attack are ongoing.
Troops and other security personnel have maintained patrols and surveillance operations across the area as efforts continue to identify and arrest the perpetrators.
The incident adds to growing concerns over recurring attacks in Plateau communities and underscores the need for sustained security interventions to protect lives and property across the state.
