At least nine people have been killed in separate attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring areas of Plateau State, with the incidents occurring between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
The latest violence reportedly claimed the lives of five passengers travelling to Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on Saturday night, while two people, including a pastor, were killed on their way to church at Dorowa Babuje on Sunday morning.
The National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Bulus Dabit, confirmed the deaths of the five passengers at Gana-Ropp and condemned the attack.
A youth leader in the community, Ukasha Garaba, also confirmed that the bodies of the five victims were evacuated from the area. He said the victims were passengers travelling to the community as labourers.
The identities of the attackers had not been established at the time of reporting.
In a separate incident at Dorowa Babuje, two people, including a pastor, were reportedly attacked and killed while travelling to church.
The spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident and condemned the killings.
“We learnt that the pastor was going to church when he was attacked and killed,” Tengwong said, calling for an end to the attacks and urging security agencies to investigate.
Another woman was reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area on Saturday night, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in the Fan District, bringing the reported death toll from the separate incidents to at least nine.
The renewed violence has heightened tension in several communities, particularly around Dorowa Babuje, Kantoma and surrounding areas of Barkin Ladi.
Residents reportedly fled some locations after gunshots were heard in the area. Community sources said women and children were evacuated to safer locations as concerns grew over the possibility of further attacks.
The attacks also reportedly involved cattle rustling. Gambo Abubakar, Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Barkin Ladi, confirmed reports of cattle being stolen and called on security agencies to investigate the incident.
The Plateau State Police Command was reportedly yet to issue a detailed official statement on the latest attacks at the time of reporting. This means that details surrounding the identities of the attackers, their motives and the precise circumstances of some of the killings remain subject to further investigation.
The renewed attacks have also raised concerns about the safety of residents attending religious services and travelling between rural communities.
Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting residents and working with security agencies to confront perpetrators of violence.
Speaking at the 2026 Plateau Annual Convention of the General Council of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, North-East Zone, in Jos South, Mutfwang said his administration would continue working to restore peace across the state.
The governor said Plateau would not be defeated by violence and urged residents to remain united while security agencies continued efforts to protect lives and property.
The latest killings add to continuing security concerns in parts of Plateau State, where communities have repeatedly experienced attacks, displacement and loss of livelihoods.
Residents and community organisations have renewed calls for sustained security deployment, prompt investigation of attacks and prosecution of those found responsible.
As security agencies respond to the latest incidents, affected communities remain on alert amid concerns that further attacks could occur if adequate protection is not maintained.
