Six Killed, Several Injured in Plateau Attack

Two communities in Plateau State were attacked, leaving at least six people dead and several others hospitalised on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

The incidents that occurred in Shonun community of Riyom Local Government Area and in Hurum in Gashish District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area have revived concerns about persistent insecurity in the region.

According to Channels Television, the Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Tengong Rwang, revealed that the attacks happened separately on the same night, with armed men reportedly arriving on foot and armed with weapons.

Rwang stated that four persons were killed in Hurum, while five others were injured and are currently receiving treatment. In Shonun, he added that two people were confirmed dead, with three others hospitalised following the attacks.

The secretary alleged that before the incidents, Shonun residents had raised an alarm about a flood of unknown herders entering the area, a development reported to security agencies but met with no clear response.

“The people of Shonun had earlier informed security operatives about strange movements into the community, but nothing seemed to have been done,” he said.

He claimed that in the past week, herders living around the village had been bringing in unfamiliar people in trucks, a situation that forced residents to move women and children from the area out of fear of possible attacks.

Also, Rwang noted that repeated attacks over the years have left many residents displaced, with several running away to safer towns.

“These are communities that have suffered repeated attacks. Most people have abandoned their homes for fear of being killed,” he added.

During the attack, local vigilantes tried to fight the attackers but were overwhelmed due to the superior weapons of the assailants. The secretary expressed frustration over the inefficiency of security presence in Shonun, insisting that despite the existence of security units in the area, little has been done to stop the recurrent violence.

“We are still calling on the government to act swiftly and rid our communities of these attackers,” he said.

The Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, was contacted, but he said he had not yet received a formal briefing on the incidents. However, he assured that an update would be given after acquiring details from Divisional Police Officers in the affected areas.

The new attacks worsen Plateau State’s growing violence record, raising fresh safety concerns for rural communities and highlighting the urgent need for decisive security action.