Residents of two communities in Plateau State have been thrown into mourning following coordinated attacks by gunmen that left at least six people dead and several others injured.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the incidents occurred in Shonun community of the Riyom Local Government Area and Hurum in the Gashish District of the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The attacks, which happened on the same night, have heightened concerns over persistent insecurity in the state.
Speaking with Channels TV on the development, the Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Tengong Rwang, said four persons were killed in Hurum, with five others injured.
In Shonun, he disclosed that two persons lost their lives, while three others were hospitalised. Rwang said the assailants arrived on foot and were armed with sophisticated weapons.
He added that the attacks appeared coordinated, as both communities were struck on the same night.
The community leader alleged that residents had earlier alerted security agencies about 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 claimed that unfamiliar individuals had been brought into nearby settlements in trucks days before the attack, prompting residents to move women and children to safer locations.
Rwang described the affected communities as long-suffering, noting that repeated attacks have displaced many residents.
“These are communities that have suffered repeated attacks. Most people have abandoned their homes for fear of being killed,” he said.
He explained that local vigilantes attempted to repel the attackers but were overwhelmed due to the superior firepower of the gunmen.
Rwang expressed frustration over what he described as an inadequate security response in the area.
“We are still calling on the government to act swiftly and rid our communities of these attackers,” he said.
