Four people have been killed after gunmen attacked Sabon Angwa community, around Bet/Zat in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, raising fresh concerns over the security situation in the area despite an existing curfew.
The attackers reportedly invaded the community at about 8pm on Thursday and opened fire on residents, forcing people to flee for safety as the gunmen moved through the area.
The attack occurred despite curfew restrictions imposed in parts of Plateau State as part of efforts to contain insecurity and prevent further violence in vulnerable communities.
A resident of Barkin Ladi, Bulus Jok, said the attackers operated for some time, shooting indiscriminately and causing panic among residents.
“The gunmen struck the community around 8pm despite the curfew in place and started shooting sporadically,” Jok said.
He confirmed that four people were killed during the attack, describing the incident as particularly disturbing because of an alleged early warning communicated to relevant authorities before the violence.
“It is very sad, especially as there had been an early warning alert sent to the relevant authorities a day before the attack,” he said.
The resident’s account has raised questions about whether the warning was received and what response, if any, was initiated before the attackers entered the community.
However, details of the reported alert, including the nature of the information provided and the authorities to whom it was sent, were not immediately available.
The Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the attack and condemned the killings.
Tengwong expressed concern over the continued attacks on communities in the state, particularly incidents occurring despite security measures intended to protect residents.
He called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and strengthen their presence in communities considered vulnerable to attacks.
He also urged the relevant authorities to improve their response to intelligence reports and early warning signals, stressing the importance of prompt action in preventing violence and protecting lives.
The latest incident adds to security concerns in Plateau State, where communities have continued to face threats from armed attackers.
The imposition of curfews in affected areas is intended to restrict movement during periods of heightened insecurity and provide security personnel with an opportunity to monitor movements and respond to threats.
However, the reported attack in Sabon Angwa has renewed concerns about the challenges of enforcing such restrictions, particularly in communities where residents depend on timely security intervention.
The circumstances surrounding Thursday’s attack remained unclear as of the time of filing this report. There was no immediate information on the identities of the attackers, their motive or whether any arrests had been made.
It was also not immediately established whether security personnel were deployed to the community during or shortly after the incident.
Efforts to reach security operatives for official confirmation and further details were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The number of casualties was based on accounts provided by residents and community representatives, while further details from the police or other security agencies were still being awaited.
Residents and community leaders have continued to call for stronger security measures, improved intelligence gathering and faster responses to threats in order to prevent further attacks.
The latest killings have also drawn attention to the importance of cooperation between local communities and security agencies, particularly in sharing information that could help identify threats before they develop into attacks.
West Trybe reports that the attack has renewed concerns over the protection of rural communities in Plateau State, with residents seeking more effective security responses, particularly where early warnings are reportedly available before violence occurs.
