Fresh Plateau Attacks: Pastor, 8 others killed as Women, Children flee communities

At least nine people have been killed in fresh attacks across Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring communities in Plateau State, triggering panic and the evacuation of women and children.

Five of the victims were passengers travelling to Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area when they were attacked on Saturday night.

Two others, including a pastor, were reportedly killed while travelling to church at Dorowa Babuje on Sunday morning.

A woman was also killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area on Saturday night, while another person was reportedly killed at Ratyidi in Fan District.

Several cattle were also reportedly killed or stolen at Dorowa Maranba and the Kantoma axis around 3am on Sunday.

The National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Bulus Dabit, confirmed the killing of the five passengers at Gana-Ropp and called on security agencies to apprehend those responsible.

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The Pyem Youth Leader in Gana-Ropp, Ukasha Garaba, said the victims were travelling to the area as labourers.

The spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the attacks, describing the killings as worrisome and unacceptable.

Tension also heightened in Dorowa Babuje after renewed gunshots were reportedly heard from the direction of Kantoma, forcing women and children to flee to safer locations.

A resident, Lawrence Shong, said gunshots were still being heard around midday on Sunday as residents evacuated vulnerable persons from the community.

Tengwong said military personnel had been deployed to the area, while calling for sustained security operations to prevent further attacks.

The Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Barkin Ladi, Gambo Abubakar, also confirmed reports of cattle being stolen and urged security agencies to investigate.

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Reacting to the attacks, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Speaking at the 2026 Plateau Annual Convention of the General Council of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, North East Zone, in Jos South, Mutfwang said his administration would continue working with security agencies to confront perpetrators of violence and restore lasting peace.

“I cannot abandon my responsibility of securing the people of Plateau State. We will protect our people with all that we have, within the ambit of the law,” the governor said.

Vanguard reports that he added that Plateau State would not be defeated by violence, urging residents to remain united in the face of insecurity.