Gunmen have reportedly killed at least 10 people, including a Baptist Church pastor, in attacks across communities in Plateau State’s Barkin-Ladi and Riyom local government areas, triggering fear and the disruption of church services.
The attacks reportedly began on Saturday evening, September 19, 2026, when gunmen ambushed passengers travelling to Gana-Ropp in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, killing six people and injuring others.
A resident who witnessed the incident, Ukasha Garba, said the victims were travelling from Gana-Ropp to a neighbouring community to work on a farm.
Pastor, Church Secretary Killed on Way to Service
In a separate attack in the early hours of Sunday, September 20, a pastor with the Baptist Church, his secretary and another person were reportedly ambushed and shot dead while travelling to church at Dorowa Babuje, also in Barkin-Ladi.
The killings disrupted church services in neighbouring communities, with some worshippers reportedly abandoning services over fears of further attacks.
Other killings were reported in Plateau State. A woman was reportedly killed on Saturday night at Beaten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area, while another person was killed at Ratyidiin in Fan District.
Berom Youth Moulders Condemns Attacks
Rwang Tengwong, National Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders (BYM), confirmed the attacks and described them as worrisome and unacceptable.
“We condemn these attacks in the strongest terms and call on security agencies to urgently strengthen their presence in the affected communities. The killing of innocent people must stop,” Tengwong said.
He said the fresh violence had heightened fear among residents and called for prompt investigations, as well as the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
Tengwong urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while appealing to security agencies to take proactive steps to prevent further attacks and protect lives and property.
Residents Reportedly Flee After Renewed Gunshots
Tension reportedly remained high in parts of Barkin-Ladi following the killings, with residents fleeing their communities after renewed gunshots were heard from the direction of Kantoma.
The attacks add to ongoing concerns about insecurity in parts of Nigeria. The Bureau Journal has reported on security-related developments, including the interception of an arms cache in Kogi, the arrest of suspected terrorists in Ajaokuta and a security operation that led to the rescue of kidnap victims.
Other coverage includes the abduction of passengers on a Kogi highway and the debate over the proposed state police framework.
Authorities had not been quoted in the supplied account on the identity of the attackers or the circumstances surrounding the reported killings. The incidents and casualty figures remain based on the accounts provided by residents and the Berom Youth Moulders spokesperson.
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