Six persons have been killed, while eight others sustained injuries following two separate attacks on two communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas, Plateau State.
In the first incident, four persons were killed and five others injured during an attack on Hurum Gashish community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, while the second recorded two persons dead and three others injured in Shonong Bachi community of Riyom Local Government Area.
Sources said the attack on Barkin Ladi occurred at about 10 p.m. on Sunday when gunmen invaded the area and opened fire on residents, while the attack in Riyom was said to have taken place around 11 p.m. on the same day.
In both incidents, gunmen reportedly stormed the communities, shooting sporadically.
Residents of the areas said the attacks caused panic, forcing many to flee their homes for safety.
National Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tenglong, who confirmed the incidents, said the attacks had thrown the affected communities into mourning.
He condemned the attacks, describing them as worrisome, and expressed concern over the recurring violence in rural communities across the state.
Tenglong disclosed that the injured victims have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Several efforts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer in Plateau State, SP Alfred Alabo, for confirmation were futile, as his phone could not be reached.
Credit: The Sun