Gov talks tough as gunmen kill 7 in fresh Plateau attack

From Jude Owuamanam, Jos

Gunmen have killed seven people in a fresh attack on Gero community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, according to a local youth association, triggering outrage and a directive by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to security agencies to track down the perpetrators.

However, while the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) identified seven people killed in the attack, the Plateau State Police Command confirmed six fatalities, leaving a discrepancy in the casualty figures. The attack reportedly occurred at about 9:43pm on Monday when armed men suspected to have approached the community from the Rafin Buna axis opened fire on residents, killing seven people and injuring another.

The victims, according to BYM, were Favour Osita, 25; Wuna Bala, 30; Confidence Osita, 22; Aragwu Adamu, 27; Sunday Avaya, 26; Peter Elisha, 25; and Danladi Achukwu, 39. Another resident, Geoffrey Alex, 25, sustained injuries during the attack.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, the association condemned the killings, describing the victims as innocent residents pursuing their livelihoods before their lives were cut short.

“These were people pursuing their daily livelihoods, with families and hopes for tomorrow. Their brutal killing is another painful reminder that innocent citizens continue to live and work under the shadow of insecurity,” the association said.

BYM called on security agencies to investigate the attack, identify and prosecute those responsible, and intensify intelligence gathering, night patrols and rapid-response operations in vulnerable communities across Plateau State. The association also demanded adequate medical and humanitarian assistance for affected families and regular public updates on investigations, while commiserating with relatives of the deceased and wishing the injured survivor a speedy recovery.

Reacting, Governor Mutfwang vowed that the attackers would be apprehended and prosecuted, disclosing that security operatives had recovered evidence from the scene and were following leads to establish the identities and whereabouts of the perpetrators.

Speaking on Tuesday during the swearing-in of Special Advisers at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, the governor expressed sadness over the killings, describing the attack as particularly disturbing because of its proximity to Jos metropolis.

“This particular attack left some bits of evidence that we are trailing and, by the grace of God, we will continue to pursue these perpetrators of this dastardly act,” he said.

Mutfwang urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies, stressing that timely intelligence from communities was critical to preventing attacks and ensuring swift responses.

“The security forces cannot be everywhere; they can only cover some places. If they get information, they will react, but sometimes the reaction comes late because by the time the information gets to them, it is impossible to have saved the situation,” he said.

The governor also disclosed that the alleged leader of the deadly attack on Kombun District in Mangu Local Government Area had been arrested, assuring residents that his administration would sustain efforts to bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.

He said security agencies had intensified operations against criminal elements across the state in recent months, while the government remained committed to supporting investigations and prosecutions.

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command confirmed six deaths in the Gero attack, against the seven reported by BYM.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said in a statement that unidentified gunmen invaded the community and opened fire indiscriminately on residents.

Alabo, who placed the incident in the early hours of Tuesday, said the Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, immediately mobilised mobile policemen and tactical operatives, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, to the scene.

According to him, the police, working alongside military personnel and operatives of Operation Rainbow, dislodged the attackers, who fled into the surrounding hillside forest.

The bodies of the deceased were evacuated to the mortuary, while the injured victim was taken to hospital for treatment.

Alabo disclosed that joint security forces subsequently launched bush-combing, cordon-and-search and clearance operations in the area, recovering motorcycles and other exhibits allegedly abandoned by the fleeing gunmen.

He said investigations had been intensified to identify and arrest the perpetrators.

The police spokesman further disclosed that Faniyan visited the community on Tuesday for an on-the-spot assessment, during which he met traditional and community leaders, political representatives, youth and women leaders, and other residents.

Community representatives expressed concern over the killings and appealed for stronger security arrangements to prevent further attacks.

The commissioner urged residents to strengthen cooperation with security agencies through timely intelligence sharing, assuring them that additional measures would be introduced to protect vulnerable communities.

The latest attack comes amid recurring violence in parts of Plateau State, where gunmen have targeted residents, local vigilantes and mining communities, prompting repeated demands for stronger security deployments and the prosecution of perpetrators.

The discrepancy between the seven fatalities identified by BYM and the six confirmed by the police remained unresolved as of the latest statements from both sides.