Police confirm five killed in Plateau attack

The police have confirmed that five people were killed and several others injured in an attack in Gwan-Ajang, a village in the Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

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The police public relations officer of the state command, Alfred Alabo, said the incident occurred on Sunday night when gunmen opened fire on residents who had gathered for a social event.

In a statement obtained by PREMIUM TIMES Mr Alabo said officers from the Gindiri Division received a distress call at about 9:22 p.m. and immediately mobilised to the community.

“On arrival, our officers met a grim scene with some persons lying in pools of their blood. Five victims were confirmed dead, while more than 10 others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment,” he said.

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According to him, the attack happened while residents were holding a social gathering, adding that the location of the village, which lies close to the boundary between Barkin Ladi and Mangu local government areas, initially led to conflicting accounts of where the incident occurred.

“The area is sometimes reported as either Barkin Ladi or Mangu, depending on the source of the information,” the police spokesperson said.

Mr Alabo said the Commissioner of Police had directed intensified operations in the area, with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations coordinating the response.

He added that the police were working jointly with other security agencies, including Operation Enduring Peace, to restore calm and track down those responsible.

“Our men are on the ground. Joint patrols and surveillance have been intensified, and we have credible intelligence that will aid arrests,” he said, noting that normalcy had largely returned to the area.

However, the Berom Youths Moulder-Association disputed the police casualty figure, claiming that at least seven people were killed in the attack.

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Its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, said the victims were shot when armed assailants invaded the village at about 9:30 p.m.

The group also alleged that more than 10 persons were seriously injured and were receiving treatment in hospitals.

Police authorities said investigations were ongoing and urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could lead to the arrest of the attackers.

The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in parts of Plateau State, particularly in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring local government areas, despite ongoing security operations.