Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Four people have reportedly been killed after a violent roadside attack along the Nding axis of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State, further worsening tensions in communities already shaken by an earlier assault that left seven residents dead in Dorowa Babuje village.
Security sources indicated that the attack occurred when youths suspected to be local indigenes blocked the Nding road and intercepted a passenger Opel Vectra vehicle carrying civilians. The assailants were said to have selected occupants of the vehicle before launching the attack, killing four persons instantly at the scene.
Authorities later confirmed that five bodies were transported to Jos North, suggesting that one additional victim may have died from injuries sustained during the assault. Two of the deceased were reportedly from Jos North, a development that triggered anxiety in parts of the metropolis, particularly around Terminus and Gangare areas where residents expressed fear over possible retaliatory violence.
The incident is believed to have been linked to a cycle of revenge violence that followed an earlier attack in which gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias reportedly killed seven residents and injured two others in Dorowa Babuje village. Sources said news of the earlier killings spread rapidly through neighbouring settlements before security agencies could stabilise the situation, potentially provoking the road blockade attack.
According to one security official, the Nding road assault occurred hours after suspected armed attackers allegedly opened fire on residents gathered at a local social spot in Dorowa Babuje. The official said the violence appeared connected to the escalating inter-communal hostility across parts of Barkin Ladi and nearby districts.
The latest violence has raised concerns about the possibility of broader communal reprisals. Intelligence sources stated that additional security personnel have been deployed to identified flashpoints across Barkin Ladi and adjoining areas to prevent further escalation. Joint patrols and stop-and-search operations are also being intensified along major transportation corridors and entry routes.
Security agencies warned residents against engaging in revenge attacks or mob violence, stressing that such actions could aggravate an already fragile security environment. Authorities urged community leaders and youth groups to cooperate with ongoing investigations and allow law enforcement agencies to handle the situation.
Community stakeholders in affected areas have appealed for calm, describing the violence as deeply tragic and avoidable. Traditional and local leaders have called on residents to reject rumours and refrain from actions that could trigger additional confrontations between communities.
The pattern of attacks across Barkin Ladi and Riyom axis has continued to attract security attention due to the region’s history of communal clashes involving different local groups. Analysts say the recurring violence reflects a complex mix of historical grievances, competition over land resources, and retaliation dynamics that can rapidly escalate once killings occur.
As investigations continue, residents remain apprehensive about potential reprisals. Many communities are reportedly relying on enhanced military and police presence to maintain stability while authorities work to identify those responsible for the killings.
No group has publicly claimed responsibility for the attack, and security agencies have not yet released detailed casualty verification figures. Further updates are expected as investigations progress.
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