By Seyi Odewale
Residents of two communities in Plateau State have again been thrown into mourning following coordinated attacks that left at least six people dead, and several others hospitalised, in incidents that have heightened fresh concerns over insecurity in the region.
The attacks, which occurred in Shonun community of Riyom Local Government Area and Hurum in Gashish District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, were confirmed by local sources in separate interviews with Channels Television.
Speaking via telephone, the Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Tengong Rwang, said the assaults were carried out the same night by armed men who reportedly stormed the communities on foot.
According to him, four people were killed in Hurum, while five others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment. In Shonun, he said two people were confirmed dead, with three others hospitalised.
Rwang said the attacks did not come without warning, alleging that residents had earlier raised concerns over suspicious movements in the area.
“The people of Shonun had earlier informed security operatives about strange movements into the community, but nothing seemed to have been done,” he said.
He further alleged that in the days leading up to the incident, there had been an influx of unfamiliar individuals into the community, reportedly brought in by herders.
“In the past week, we noticed that herders around the village were bringing in unknown persons in trucks. That created fear, and many residents had to move their women and children out for safety,” he said.
Describing the situation as a recurring tragedy, Rwang lamented that the affected communities have endured repeated attacks over the years, forcing many residents to abandon their homes.
“These are communities that have suffered repeated attacks. Most people have abandoned their homes for fear of being killed,” he said.
He added that local vigilantes made efforts to resist the attackers but were outmatched.
“Our vigilantes tried to repel them, but they were overwhelmed because the attackers came with more sophisticated weapons,” he stated.
Rwang also expressed frustration over what he described as a weak security response, insisting that the presence of security personnel in the area has not translated into effective protection for residents.
“We are still calling on the government to act swiftly and rid our communities of these attackers,” he appealed.
When contacted, the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, said he had yet to receive a formal briefing on the incidents as of press time.
“I have not been briefed on the matter yet. I will get details from the Divisional Police Officers and provide an update,” he said.
The latest killings come amid a series of violent attacks that have plagued rural communities in Plateau State, particularly in Riyom and Barkin Ladi areas, where clashes and reprisals have persisted over the years.
Security analysts warn that the pattern of attacks, coupled with allegations of ignored early warnings, underscores the urgent need for proactive intelligence and rapid response by security agencies.
For residents of Shonun and Hurum, however, the immediate reality remains grief, displacement and fear, as families mourn their dead and others nurse injuries from yet another night of violence.
