Gunmen Kill Six in Plateau

The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the killing of six people after gunmen attacked the Gero community in Jos South Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said unidentified armed men invaded the community and opened fire in the early hours of the day.

“The Plateau State Police Command regrets to report a tragic incident that occurred in Gero community, Jos South Local Government Area, in the early hours of 27th October, 2026, when unidentified armed hoodlums invaded the community and opened fire sporadically, resulting in the death of six persons,” the statement said.

The attack, which was initially reported to have killed seven people, caused panic among residents.

A community member, Bot Silas, said the gunmen stormed the area at about 10:20 pm and began shooting. He said some victims were killed in their shops, while others were attacked at a local restaurant where food was being prepared.

“Seven persons were killed in the attack, and the incident caused serious panic among residents. The attackers came at night and started shooting, forcing residents to scamper for safety,” Silas said.

The spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, condemned the killings and called for urgent action against the perpetrators.

“The killing of innocent people in Gero is condemnable and must not be allowed to continue. We call on the relevant security agencies to investigate the incident, bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure that residents can live and carry out their legitimate activities without fear,” Tengwong said.

The police said the Commissioner of Police immediately deployed mobile policemen and tactical teams led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to the scene. The teams worked with military personnel and Operation Rainbow operatives to dislodge the attackers, who fled into a nearby hillside forest, according to the statement.

Police said the bodies of the deceased were taken to the morgue, while an injured victim was taken to hospital for treatment. Joint security forces have also launched bush-combing, cordon, search and clearance operations in the area. The command said the operations were ongoing.

The statement added that the operations led to the recovery of motorcycles and other exhibits allegedly abandoned by the attackers. Police said they had intensified investigations to track down and arrest the suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ayodeji Faniyan, also visited the community on Monday for an on-the-spot assessment. He met with community leaders, political representatives, youth leaders, women’s representatives and other residents.

During the visit, Faniyan urged residents to work with security agencies to improve local security and intelligence gathering. He also advised them to remain vigilant.

On behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Nigeria Police Force, Faniyan expressed condolences to the community and assured residents that efforts would continue to apprehend those responsible.