At least six people were killed in a fresh attack on Marit and Gashish communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday.
Local sources told newsmen that the attack occurred at night while residents were asleep, leaving several others injured and currently receiving treatment in hospital.
The Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council, Hon. Stephen Pwajok Gyang, confirmed the incident through a statement by his press secretary, Mercy Yop Chuwang. The statement noted that the victims were buried in a mass grave on Monday.
Hon. Pwajok, who visited survivors at Barkin Ladi General Hospital, condemned the attack and called for proactive security measures to prevent further violence. He acknowledged the efforts of local vigilantes and security agencies but urged them to increase vigilance in the face of rising insecurity.
He also appealed to security agencies, community leaders, and residents to work together to restore peace in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies including Operation Safe Haven and the Plateau State Police Command had not released official statements regarding the attack.
This latest incident follows similar attacks in March and April 2025 on communities in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs, which left over 100 people dead, including women and children. There were also subsequent reports of cattle being shot and poisoned in parts of Bassa, Riyom, and Mangu LGAs.
