Several people are feared dead and many others injured after armed attackers invaded a mass burial ceremony in Nding Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims had gathered for the burial of seven persons reportedly killed in an earlier assault on the community.
The attack occurred on Wednesday afternoon while residents were conducting funeral rites.
Sources disclosed that the gunmen, believed to have monitored activities from nearby hills, suddenly stormed the area and began shooting at mourners who were preparing graves for the deceased.
An eyewitness, Masara Kim, told our correspondent by telephone that no fewer than five communities came under coordinated attacks at the same time, according to TheNation.
According to him, the mourners had only managed to dig a shallow grave before the attackers struck, forcing residents to hurriedly bury the bodies and flee the scene.
“There is a massive attack on communities south of Jos. More than five communities are under simultaneous assault. While we were at the burial site, the attackers emerged from the hills and began shooting.”
Kim further revealed that one man was killed during the incident, adding that local defenders armed with hunting rifles and other weapons were unable to repel the attackers.
He said he narrowly escaped the assault, while many residents abandoned their homes as the gunmen advanced on the communities. He added that the exact number of casualties remained unclear due to the confusion caused by the attack.
The Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, described the situation as “terrible,” noting that rescue efforts were ongoing to assist persons trapped in affected areas.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command confirmed that five persons were killed in Nding Susut community, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, during a separate attack carried out on Tuesday.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Alfred Alabo, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, the command said the attackers opened fire on residents who were seated outside their homes, leading to multiple deaths.
The statement noted that three injured victims are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital, where the bodies of the deceased were also deposited.
Police identified the deceased as four women and a nine-year-old boy, while three injured females are undergoing medical treatment at a hospital within the area.
The command said the Commissioner of Police condemned the killings, describing the attack as senseless, and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
According to the statement, the CP has directed the deployment of additional tactical teams and operational assets to the affected communities to forestall further violence.
The police added that investigations had commenced, stressing that security agencies were collaborating with community leaders to apprehend those responsible. Residents were also urged to remain calm and provide useful information to support ongoing peace restoration efforts.
A resident of the community, Weng Christopher, recounted that the assailants invaded the area and opened fire on unsuspecting villagers.
He said members of one family were killed instantly, while another resident also lost his life during the attack.
Christopher decried the recurring attacks in the area, saying residents now live in fear due to the increasing wave of violence.
“This is becoming too frequent. People are living in constant fear,” he said.
