Residents of Shonun in Riyom Local Government Area and Hurum in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State are mourning after coordinated attacks by armed gunmen left at least six people dead and several others injured. The violent incidents, which occurred on the same night, have reignited fears over rising insecurity in the region. Local leaders and community members have raised alarms over what they describe as a pattern of neglect by security agencies despite prior warnings.
According to Tengong Rwang, Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, four people were killed and five others injured in Hurum, while two people died and three were hospitalized in Shonun. Rwang confirmed that the attackers arrived on foot and were equipped with sophisticated weapons, making it difficult for local defenders to resist. He emphasized that the attacks were clearly coordinated, given that both communities were targeted simultaneously.
Residents had reportedly alerted security operatives days before the attacks about unusual movements in the area. Rwang stated that unfamiliar individuals were brought into nearby settlements in trucks, prompting villagers to evacuate women and children to safer locations. Despite these warnings, no preventive action was taken, he claimed. “The people of Shonun had earlier informed security operatives about strange movements into the community, but nothing seemed to have been done,” Rwang told Channels TV.
The affected communities have long been plagued by insecurity, with repeated attacks forcing many residents to abandon their homes. Rwang described the situation as dire, noting that most people now live in constant fear. “These are communities that have suffered repeated attacks. Most people have abandoned their homes for fear of being killed,” he said. Local vigilantes tried to defend their villages but were overwhelmed by the attackers’ superior firepower.
The attacks have deepened frustration among residents, who accuse the government of failing to protect them. Rwang urged authorities to act swiftly and decisively to end the cycle of violence. “We are still calling on the government to act swiftly and rid our communities of these attackers,” he said. The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures in Plateau State, where insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods.
As investigations into the attacks continue, residents remain on edge, hoping for a stronger security response to prevent further bloodshed. The incident highlights the growing challenge of insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where communities are increasingly vulnerable to armed violence.
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