Pastor, relatives killed on way to church as Plateau attacks claim 9

From Jude Owuamanam, Jos

A pastor and his relatives were killed on their way to church yesterday morning, as fresh attacks across communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom local governments Plateau State claimed nine lives.

Five passengers travelling to Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi for work were also killed, while two other persons, including a woman, died in separate attacks in Riyom LG.

The pastor and his relatives were reportedly attacked at Dorowa Babuje while heading to church, heightening tension in the area as renewed gunshots forced residents, particularly women and children, to flee their homes.

Youth leader in Pye, Gana-Ropp, Ukasha Garaba, confirmed the killing of the five passengers, saying they were travelling to the area in search of work when they were attacked.

Garaba said the victims were innocent people trying to earn a living and described their killing as painful.

He called for urgent security intervention to prevent further attacks and protect residents and travellers.

National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), Bulus Dabit, also confirmed the killing of the five passengers at Gana-Ropp and called on security agencies to track down the perpetrators.

Dabit said the persistent attacks were spreading fear among residents and urged the authorities to strengthen security in vulnerable communities.

National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, said a woman was killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area on Saturday night, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in Fan District.

He condemned the attacks and called for prompt investigation, arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

As tension spread, residents of Dorowa Babuje, particularly women and children, were evacuated following renewed gunshots reportedly coming from the neighbouring Kantoma area in Mangu LG.

A resident, Lawrence Shong, said the gunfire continued into Sunday afternoon, forcing families to leave vulnerable locations.

“Women and children are currently being evacuated because of the ongoing attack. We are still hearing gunshots, and this is forcing people to retreat.

“Currently, our people are gathering and moving away from this place. The women and children are being taken to safer locations,” he said.

Tengwong, who said he was in the community, confirmed the tense situation, saying persistent gunfire had heightened anxiety among residents.

He said military personnel had been deployed but called for a sustained security presence.

“What we need now is sustained security deployment to protect the people and prevent further attacks,” he said.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Barkin Ladi, Gambo Abubakar, alleged that several cattle were killed or stolen around Dorowa Maranba and the Kantoma axis at about 3 a.m. on Sunday.