Five Feared Dead, Several Injured as Gunmen Storm Night Party in Fresh Attack on Plautue Community

Five Feared Dead, Several Injured as Gunmen Storm Night Party in Fresh Attack on Plautue Community

Jos, 1st June 2026

A fresh wave of violence has rocked Plateau State as at least five people were killed and several others injured when armed attackers invaded Gwan-Ajang village in Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on Sunday night.

The deadly assault, which occurred at about 9:30 p.m., has once again heightened concerns over the persistent insecurity plaguing communities across the state despite ongoing military operations and repeated assurances from government authorities.

According to reports, residents of the community were gathered for a social event when heavily armed gunmen suddenly opened fire, sending panic-stricken villagers scrambling for safety. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as gunshots rang out across the area, forcing attendees to flee in different directions.

Confirming the incident, the Plateau State Police Command said it received a distress call at approximately 9:22 p.m. and immediately deployed security personnel to the affected community.

Speaking to journalists, the Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, said officers arrived at the scene and discovered multiple victims lying in pools of blood.

"We got a call of a shooting that eihappened around Gwan-Ajang village, and we mobilised men to stabilise the situation," Alabo stated.

"From what we gathered, some members of the community were having an occasion or a party when they suddenly heard sporadic shooting. When our men got there, they met some persons in pools of their blood. As I speak to you, five of them were confirmed dead."

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Alabo explained that the location of the attack has generated varying accounts because the affected village is situated near the boundary separating Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas.

"Depending on where people are telling the story from, some say Barkin Ladi, others say Mangu," he added.

In response to the attack, the Commissioner of Police has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations to coordinate an intensive manhunt for those responsible. Security agencies, including Operation Safe Haven and other tactical units, have been deployed to the area to prevent further violence and restore confidence among residents.

The police spokesperson expressed optimism that the perpetrators would soon be apprehended.

"Our men are there, and we are working with Operation Safe Haven, who have also made deployments. Calm has been restored, and we are looking forward to making some arrests because we have good intelligence," Alabo said.

However, community leaders have challenged the official casualty figure released by the police. The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Rwang Tengwong, alleged that the death toll was higher than reported.

According to Tengwong, at least seven people lost their lives during what he described as an invasion by armed Fulani militias. He further claimed that more than ten residents sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at different medical facilities.

"At least seven persons have been reportedly killed in another armed invasion by armed Fulani gangs at about 9:30 p.m. in Gwan-Ajang village," Tengwong stated.

The latest attack adds to the growing list of violent incidents that have continued to claim lives in Plateau State, particularly in rural communities where tensions over land, grazing rights, and communal disputes have frequently erupted into deadly confrontations.

Residents are now calling on both state and federal authorities to take decisive action to halt the recurring bloodshed and ensure that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.

As investigations continue and security agencies intensify efforts to track down the attackers, fear and uncertainty remain high among residents who say they are increasingly worried about their safety amid the unrelenting cycle of violence.