Bloodshed in Plateau Deepens as Gunmen Attack Mourners During Mass Burial

A fresh wave of violence has again hit Plateau State as gunmen attacked mourners during a mass burial in Nding Sesut community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, worsening the grief of residents already shaken by earlier killings.

The mourners had gathered to bury six victims — five members of the same family and another resident — who were killed during a late-night attack last Tuesday.
Community sources said the attackers invaded the burial ground and opened fire sporadically, causing panic as mourners fled for safety.
The latest attack came after Tuesday night’s invasion of Nding community around 9 p.m., where gunmen killed an entire family of five along with another resident. A resident, Weng Christopher, described the security situation as alarming, noting that community members now live in fear.
The Berom Youth Moulders Association, through its Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the killings and an attempted attack on Rim community in neighbouring Riyom Local Government Area. Tengwong disclosed that the attack on Rim was repelled by local vigilantes and operatives of Operation Rainbow, the Plateau State-owned security outfit.
He condemned the repeated attacks and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities.
In a statement, the Plateau State Police Command confirmed the Tuesday night attack on Nding Susut, revealing that five persons — four women and a nine-year-old boy — were killed, while three others sustained injuries.
The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital, while the corpses of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital morgue.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bassey Ewah, condemned the killings, describing them as senseless, and announced the deployment of additional tactical teams, including mobile police units, to restore calm in Barkin Ladi.
He assured residents that investigations were ongoing and stated that the command was collaborating with other security agencies and community leaders to apprehend those behind the attacks.
The police also appealed to residents to remain calm and support security agencies with useful information that could aid investigations.
As communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom continue to suffer repeated attacks, calls for stronger security measures have intensified, with residents demanding lasting peace in Plateau State.
Meanwhile, suspected gunmen also launched fresh attacks on two communities in Kogi State, killing one resident and injuring two others.
The attackers reportedly invaded Edede and Ojapata communities in Oganenigu, Dekina Local Government Area, at about 3:30 p.m. last Tuesday.
During the attack, the gunmen allegedly shot dead Nasiru Ulayi and set several houses ablaze in both communities, leaving many residents homeless and forcing them into displaced persons camps.
In another incident, gunmen ambushed two local vigilante members in Onitcha-Igo in Ofu Local Government Area. The vigilantes, who were on routine patrol, reportedly walked into the ambush before the attackers opened fire on them.
Although the vigilante members escaped death, they sustained severe injuries during the attack.
Sources said the injured victims were rushed to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, for urgent medical treatment.
One of the victims is currently undergoing surgery for a bone fracture sustained during the attack.
An eyewitness expressed concern over the increasing activities of kidnappers in the affected communities, saying the criminals had become more daring despite the presence of security operatives.
Efforts to get official confirmation from the Kogi State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Oyiza Saliu, could not connect due to poor network coverage.