By Lawrence Zongo and Izhi Bitrus
(Jos) At least eight Christians were killed and 10 others injured in coordinated attacks across Plateau State within two nights, including an incident near a Nigerian Army position in Kpasho, Bassa Local Government Area, TruthNigeria has learned.
Residents said two of the victims were killed in the South of Jos, Plateau State capital, on April 18 in Ansa village, about 500 meters from an army post located behind the College of Accountancy in Kwall District, raising questions among community members about response times during the attack.
The killings are part of a series of assaults reported over the weekend in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom local government areas, where gunmen opened fire on villages and travelers at different locations within hours.
Local security leaders in Rigwe chiefdom say the repeated attacks and the proximity of some incidents to security positions have weakened confidence in official protection.
The General Commander of the Rigwe Internal Security group, also known as the Rigwe Joint Task Force (RJTF), said residents are facing continued attacks by armed Fulani militias despite the presence of security forces.
“We are currently facing significant terror attacks by Fulani militias within our community,” Weyi said. “There are frequent incidents, yet the response from the Nigerian Army has been ineffective.”
He said community members have continued to report attacks, but that there has been little observable change in security outcomes.
“Despite daily reports of these problems, little or no improvement has been observed,” he said.
Weyi also said the presence of soldiers in some areas has not prevented attacks and that residents are increasingly uncertain about their safety. According to him, some villagers believe that individuals not connected to the violence have been detained, while those accused of carrying out attacks remain at large.
“In some cases, innocent individuals are arrested, while those responsible for destroying farms and attacking communities are not held accountable,” he said.
Many of the incidents have taken place near farmlands, where residents rely on seasonal harvests for food and income. Community members say damaged crops and abandoned farms are affecting household survival.
“Christian Farmers are particularly affected, as their crops are being destroyed,” Weyi said.
He called on authorities to strengthen security deployment and improve response times, while also asking for legal backing for community-based security efforts.
“We respectfully request the government to strengthen security presence and responsiveness in our area,” he said. “We also seek support and approval to enhance community-based security efforts, within the law.”
He added that some residents believe local defense groups could contribute more effectively if formally recognized.
“The Nigerian government should permit us to defend our land,” he said.
The attacks have also placed pressure on local health facilities. At Enos Hospital in Miango Dr. Abel Joseph said four young men were brought in with gunshot wounds following one of the incidents.
“Yes, four young men were rushed to the hospital this night,” he said. “It was gunshots.”
He said one of the victims died on arrival, while the others were referred to Jos due to the severity of their injuries. According to him, the families of the victims were unable immediately to cover the cost of treatment, which affected the speed of referrals.
“The survivors can’t pay for their surgeries,” he added.
The first of the weekend attacks occurred around 8 p.m. on Saturday in Kpasho, Kwall District, where four youths traveling on a motorcycle were ambushed, according to local sources. One was killed at the scene, and another later died in the hospital. Two others sustained injuries.
Another attack was reported in Hurum Gashish NTV community in Barkin Ladi County (Local Government Area) April 19 at 10 p.m., where gunmen opened fire on residents. Four people were killed and five others were injured.
Approximately one hour later, residents of Shonong Bachi in Riyom Local Government Area also were attacked. Two people were killed, and three others reportedly injured.
Nanpet Dala, a volunteer with the International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), said the situation in some communities has led to tensions between residents and security personnel. He said four youths were arrested by security operatives and later described as suspects, a development that prompted protests.
According to him, residents blocked roads and called for the release of those detained, while also demanding an end to the attacks.
Mr. Rwang Tenglong, National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, confirmed the incidents in Jos and said the affected communities were dealing with the aftermath of the violence. He said those injured were receiving treatment in nearby health facilities.
Religious leaders in the area also reported ongoing displacement linked to the attacks. Reverend Joshua Barri, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Irigwe chiefdom, said multiple villages have been affected over time.
He listed communities including Ancha, Rotsu, Jiri, and Ari-Ba’akwa among those where residents have left their homes.
At the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had not issued an official response to the incidents.
Lawrence Zongo is a conflict reporter for TruthNigeria.
