Monday, May 11, 2026 - No fewer than seven persons, including a police officer, have been k!lled in some communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Six other persons sustained injuries in the attack which
occurred on Saturday night, May 9, 2026.
Residents said the attackers stormed several communities in
the area, unleashing terror on villagers.
As of about 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, seven bodies, including
that of the police officer, had reportedly been recovered and deposited at a
mortuary.
Berom Youth Moulders-Association, led by Barrister Dalyop
Solomon Mwantiri, confirmed the incident, stating that the slain police officer
was caught in the attack while in one of the affected communities.
The officer’s son, identified simply as Nehemiah, told Daily
Trust that he was with his father shortly before the attack.
According to him, his father had stepped out when the gunmen
invaded the area, shooting sporadically.
“We were together before he said he was going somewhere.
Suddenly, the attackers came shooting, and my father was caught in the attack,”
he said.
However, he declined to disclose the identity of the
deceased officer, citing restrictions and instructions from authorities.
The youth association said the coordinated attacks occurred
simultaneously in Sabon Layi, Rakung, Gangare and areas around the General
Hospital axis, including Zat and Bet communities.
The group expressed concern that the attacks took place
despite the heavy presence of security checkpoints and personnel across Barkin
Ladi town.
The association also passed a vote of no confidence on the
Sector 4 Commander of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Col. Victor Asuquo, and
the Operations Officer, Captain Bello, accusing them of repeated security
failures and inability to protect lives and property.
“It is deeply disturbing that communities continue to come
under coordinated attacks in broad daylight and at night without any swift or
effective response from security operatives,” the association said.
“Residents now live in constant fear, uncertainty and trauma
while armed attackers move freely across communities unleashing terror on
innocent civilians," the statement read.
The group further criticised the Plateau State Government
over what it described as inadequate response to the recurring humanitarian
crisis caused by insecurity in the state.
According to the association, the persistent attacks raise
questions over why the state government has yet to establish a Ministry of
Homeland Security and Humanitarian Services to coordinate security response,
emergency management and support for affected communities.
“It is troubling that despite insecurity becoming a
perennial challenge in Plateau State, there is still no dedicated ministry to
drive proactive security policies and humanitarian interventions,” the
statement added.
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