At least seven persons, including a police officer, were killed and six others injured in a coordinated attack on several communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The incident occurred on Saturday night, May 9, 2026, with residents reporting that armed assailants stormed multiple villages, unleashing terror on the populace.
Attack Details and Casualties
According to local sources, the attackers targeted areas including Sabon Layi, Rakung, Gangare, and communities around the General Hospital axis, as well as Zat and Bet. As of about 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, seven bodies, including that of the police officer, had been recovered and taken to a mortuary. Six other individuals sustained varying degrees of injury.
The Berom Youth Moulders Association, led by Barrister Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, confirmed the incident. The association stated that the slain police officer was caught in the attack while in one of the affected communities. The officer's son, identified only as Nehemiah, recounted to Daily Trust that he was with his father shortly before the attack. “We were together before he said he was going somewhere. Suddenly, the attackers came shooting, and my father was caught in the attack,” he said. However, he declined to disclose the officer's identity, citing restrictions from authorities.
Security Concerns and Criticism
The youth association expressed deep concern that the attacks occurred despite a heavy security presence, including checkpoints and personnel across Barkin Ladi town. The group passed a vote of no confidence on the Sector 4 Commander of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Colonel Victor Asuquo, and the Operations Officer, Captain Bello, accusing them of repeated security failures and inability to protect lives and property. “It is deeply disturbing that communities continue to come under coordinated attacks in broad daylight and at night without any swift or effective response from security operatives,” the association said. “Residents now live in constant fear, uncertainty, and trauma while armed attackers move freely across communities unleashing terror on innocent civilians.”
Call for Government Action
The group also criticized the Plateau State Government for what it described as an inadequate response to the recurring humanitarian crisis caused by insecurity. According to the association, the persistent attacks raise questions over why the state government has yet to establish a Ministry of Homeland Security and Humanitarian Services to coordinate security response, emergency management, and support for affected communities. “It is troubling that despite insecurity becoming a perennial challenge in Plateau State, there is still no dedicated ministry to drive proactive security policies and humanitarian interventions,” the statement added.
