Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Gunmen stormed the quiet farming community of Nding in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Tuesday night, killing six people, including all five members of a single family. The attack, which occurred at about 9:00 p.m., has sent waves of fear through a community already reeling from successive waves of violence in the region.
According to a resident, Weng Christopher, the assailants invaded the area and opened fire on unsuspecting victims. In one household, five members of the same family were killed on the spot, while another community resident was also fatally shot during the attack. The police later identified the victims as four women and a nine‑year‑old boy, while three other female residents sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a general hospital.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah. “The Plateau State Police Command regrets to confirm a deadly attack by yet‑to‑be‑identified gunmen on Nding Susut Community. The assailants opened fire on residents who were seated in front of their houses, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives,” the statement read. The police commissioner condemned the attack as “senseless” and extended condolences to the grieving families, while ordering the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams and operational assets to the area to prevent further violence.
The attack has heightened fear among residents who have endured repeated strikes in the area. Christopher described the situation as “alarming and distressing,” noting that “this is becoming too frequent. People are living in constant fear”. The Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the killings and called on security agencies to urgently intensify efforts to protect lives and property across the state.
Tengwong also disclosed that the same gunmen attempted to attack the neighbouring Rim community in Riyom Local Government Area but were repelled by local vigilantes and personnel of Operation Rainbow, the state‑owned security outfit. The foiled attack, however, did little to ease the growing anxiety in the region.
The police have commenced an investigation and are working with other security agencies and community leaders to track down the perpetrators. The command urged residents to remain calm and to provide credible information that could help restore peace. As of Wednesday evening, no group had claimed responsibility for the assault, and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) stated that it was not aware of the incident, calling instead for a thorough security investigation.
The night attack on Nding is the latest in a series of deadly strikes that have plagued Plateau State for years. The same district had suffered another fatal attack only four days earlier, when five people were ambushed and killed while returning home around 9:00 p.m. on Sunday night. In late April, gunmen killed a pastor and three members of his family in Gako village, Riyom LGA. And barely two weeks ago, a pregnant woman was among four persons killed at a mining site in the Mazat community, also within Barkin Ladi LGA. Political and community leaders have repeatedly pointed to the electoral cycle as a catalyst, with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang alleging that desperate politicians sponsor the violence to destabilise the region. Yet the attacks continue, and ordinary villagers are paying the highest price.
For the people of Nding, the latest massacre has shattered what remained of their fragile sense of safety. As the police intensify their manhunt, residents are left to bury their dead and wonder when the next volley of gunfire will shatter their night.
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