Gunmen Kill Family in Plateau, Community Gripped by Fear

Five persons, including an entire family, were killed by gunmen who raided the Nding Susut hamlet in Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Tuesday night. Since then, the community has been overcome with terror and anger.

Residents were frightened by the incident, which happened at around nine o'clock at night, and it rekindled worries about the ongoing unrest in some areas of Plateau State.

The attackers "stormed the area and opened fire on unsuspecting victims," according to some community residents, including Weng Christopher, who verified the killings to The PUNCH in Jos on Wednesday.

"Five members of the same family were killed on the spot, and another community member was also killed during the attack," stated Christopher.

“This is becoming too frequent. "People are living in constant fear," Christopher bemoaned, calling the state of affairs "alarming and distressing for residents."

Rwang Tengwong, the publicity secretary for Berom Youth Moulders, also confirmed the fatalities, denounced the assault, and demanded that security forces act immediately.

Tengwong called on authorities "to intensify efforts to protect lives and property across Plateau State" because "the spate of attacks is one too many."

Tengwong also said that local vigilantes and members of Operation Rainbow, the state-owned security organization, had thwarted the gunmen's attempt to attack the Rim settlement in the nearby Riyom Local Government Area that same evening.

In an official statement issued on Wednesday, the Plateau State Police Command acknowledged the occurrence and denounced the deaths.

The Plateau State Police Command regrets to confirm a tragic attack by yet-to-be-identified gunmen on Nding Susut Community, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, late in the night of 05/5/26, according to a statement signed by SP Alfred Alabo, the state police spokesperson.

The attackers "opened fire on residents who were seated in front of their houses, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives, four females and one 9-year-old boy," according to the command.

The bodies of the deceased have been placed in the morgue, and three other victims—all female—are being treated at General Hospital for their injuries.

"As soon as the information was received, a group of police officers under the command of Divisional Police Officer Barkin Ladi were sent to the scene. Since then, the area has been secured, and things are gradually returning to normal, according to the statement.

"Strongly condemns this senseless act of violence and extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire community of Nding Susut," said Police Commissioner CP Bassey Ewah.

CP Ewah stated that he has "immediately deployed additional tactical teams and operational assets to Barkin Ladi LGA" in order to prevent a recurrence. These assets include mobile police officers and specialized units for patrolling, intelligence gathering, and quick response.

Investigations have started, according to the command, and it is collaborating with other security services and local authorities "to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice."

In addition to offering emergency control room lines for the public to report suspicious activity, CP Ewah advised locals to "remain calm, law-abiding, and to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid investigations."

Residents of Barkin Ladi claim they no longer feel safe even in their houses as a result of the most recent event.

Now, a lot of people are urging the federal and state governments to act decisively to prevent other deaths.