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The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that three persons were killed and another injured following an early morning attack by gunmen on Pwomol village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, left Marvin Dung Choji, 23; Bitrus Pam Choji, 24; and Daniel M. Dung, 59, dead. A fourth victim, Stephen Pam Davou, 48, sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
Confirming the incident in a statement, Police spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, said security operatives responded to a distress call reporting gunshots in the community and engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat into nearby mountainous areas.
He added that a joint response team comprising police, military personnel, and other security agencies carried out follow-up operations, leading to the arrest of a suspect identified as Suleiman, who was found with bloodstains.
The statement read, “The Plateau State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that on April 6, 2026, at about 4:30 a.m., we received a distress call from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area reporting gunshot sounds around Pwomol Village in Heipang District.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police mobilised a Joint Response Team comprising the DPO of Barkin Ladi, the military, and other security agencies, who engaged the attackers in a gun duel. Due to the superior firepower of our team, the attackers were forced to flee into the surrounding mountainous forests.
“During the attack, however, three persons unfortunately lost their lives, while one other sustained injuries and was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention. In a follow-up clearance operation carried out by the team, one suspect, identified as Suleiman (male) was arrested around the Redemption Camp. The suspect was apprehended with visible bloodstains and is currently in custody.”
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bassey Ewah, was said to have visited the scene, where he sympathised with the victims’ families and assured them that investigations would be thorough, transparent, and aimed at apprehending other suspects still at large.
Residents were urged to remain calm, stay vigilant, and report suspicious activities, while authorities also intensified security measures in the area, including increased patrols and enforcement of an existing curfew.
“The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Bassey Ewah, paid a visit to the scene of the incident for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that a thorough, professional, and transparent investigation will be conducted with a view to apprehending other fleeing suspects and ensuring they are brought to justice.
“He further urged all Plateau residents to remain calm, vigilant, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
“As an additional measure to restore public confidence and prevent further threats to the community, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has also reinforced security presence in the area through additional deployments, intensified patrols, and synergy with other security agencies.”
Meanwhile, the lawmaker representing the Barkin Ladi Constituency, Dickson Y. Chollom, condemned the attack and called for justice for the victims.
He argued that such incidents should no longer be attributed to unknown gunmen, noting that a suspect already in custody had reportedly provided information about accomplices.
Chollom urged security agencies to make the outcome of their investigations public, including the identities of those involved, and called on the state’s justice authorities to ensure those responsible are prosecuted.
