Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
At least nine people, including a pastor, have been killed in separate attacks across Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring communities in Plateau State between Saturday night, September 19, and Sunday morning, September 20, 2026, according to community leaders and multiple local media reports.
The attacks have heightened tension in the affected communities, with reports that women and children were evacuated from some areas after renewed gunfire was heard.
Five Passengers Killed on Way to Gana-Ropp
Five of the victims were passengers travelling towards Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area when they came under attack on Saturday night.
Bulus Dabit, National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, confirmed the killings and called on security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Ukasha Garaba, the Pyem Youth Leader in Gana-Ropp, also confirmed that five bodies had been recovered from the area. He said the victims were travelling as labourers when they were attacked.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of people travelling through communities where previous attacks have disrupted movement and economic activities.
Pastor Killed on Way to Church
In a separate incident on Sunday morning, two people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed while travelling to church at Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi.
Community representatives said the pastor was attacked while on his way to worship. The Berom Youth Moulders spokesman, Rwang Tengwong, condemned the killing and called for stronger security deployment in the affected communities.
Another woman was reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area on Saturday night, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in the Fan District.
The separate incidents brought the reported death toll to at least nine.
Women and Children Evacuated as Gunfire Continues
The attacks have also triggered fresh movement of residents from vulnerable communities.
Vanguard reported that women and children were being moved away from parts of the affected area after residents continued to hear gunshots from the direction of Kantoma.
Rwang Tengwong said military personnel had been deployed, but argued that a sustained security presence was necessary to prevent further attacks and allow residents to return safely.
The reports could not independently establish the identities of the attackers or their motives.
Cattle Reportedly Killed or Stolen
The violence was also accompanied by reports of attacks on livestock.
Gambo Abubakar, Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Barkin Ladi, confirmed reports that several cattle were killed or stolen around Dorowa Maranba and the Kantoma axis at about 3am on Sunday.
He called on security agencies to investigate the incident and work towards restoring calm in the affected communities.
The report adds another dimension to the insecurity in the area, where violence has repeatedly affected both farming and livestock-related activities.
Police Deploy Additional Security Operatives
The Plateau State Police Command had not publicly provided a detailed account of the latest attacks at the time of the latest reports.
However, PUNCH reported that sources at the command headquarters said Commissioner of Police Ayodeji Faniyan had deployed additional security personnel to the affected communities.
Earlier in September, the commissioner said security agencies in Plateau were working together to investigate attacks and pursue suspects.
The police command had also reported the arrest of suspects and recovery of firearms and ammunition during recent operations across the state.
Plateau Faces Renewed Security Pressure
The latest killings come amid a series of deadly attacks reported in Plateau State in recent weeks.
On September 14, at least nine passengers were killed when gunmen attacked a commercial bus at Dungus in the Kuru District of Jos South Local Government Area. The Plateau State Police Command confirmed that seven people died at the scene while two others later died from their injuries.
The recurring violence has increased pressure on security agencies to prevent attacks before they occur, protect vulnerable communities and ensure that perpetrators are identified and prosecuted.
Earlier this month, Plateau State security authorities also reviewed the security situation following attacks in several communities. Commissioner Faniyan said investigations into previous incidents were continuing and that security agencies were collaborating at state and national levels.
What Happens Next
The immediate priority for authorities is to stabilise the affected communities, protect residents and travellers, and establish the circumstances surrounding each attack.
Further investigation is also expected to determine the identities of those responsible for the killings and whether the separate incidents were connected.
Community leaders have continued to call for stronger security presence, while residents have been urged to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies.
As of the latest available reports, no group had been officially identified as responsible for the fresh attacks, and the reported casualty figures remain based on information provided by community representatives and media reports pending a comprehensive official security assessment.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- The Punch
- Vanguard
- The Nation/other established Nigerian media reports on Plateau security developments
- Plateau State Police Command reports as cited in published reports
- Community statements from the Mwaghavul Development Association and Berom Youth Moulders
