23/09/2026
At least nine people, including a pastor, have been killed in separate attacks by gunmen in parts of Plateau State.
The attacks occurred between Saturday night and Sunday morning in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring communities.
Five of the victims were passengers travelling to Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area when they were attacked on Saturday night. The victims were reportedly travelling as labourers.
The National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Bulus Dabit, confirmed the deaths and condemned the continued attacks, saying they were causing fear and pain among residents.
The Pyem Youth Leader in Gana-Ropp, Ukasha Garaba, also confirmed that five bodies were evacuated from the area.
In another attack at Dorowa Babuje, two people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed while on their way to church on Sunday morning.
The spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident and said the pastor was attacked and killed while heading to church. He called for stronger security measures, investigations and the prosecution of those responsible.
A woman was also reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area on Saturday night, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in Fan District.
Meanwhile, several cattle were reportedly killed or stolen at Dorowa Maranba and the Kantoma axis around 3am on Sunday. The Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Barkin Ladi, Gambo Abubakar, confirmed the report and urged security agencies to investigate.
Tension has reportedly continued to rise in Kantoma and surrounding communities following the attacks.
Although the Plateau State Police Command had yet to publicly comment on the incidents, sources at the command headquarters said additional security operatives had been deployed to the affected communities.
