Gunmen on Friday night attacked a community in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing at least seven people and leaving several others injured.
Eyewitnesses in Jos told newsmen on Saturday that the attack took place in Bong village, Doemak District, where the assailants reportedly went from house to house, targeting women, children, and the elderly.
Residents said the attackers were heavily armed, adding that many of the victims were those who could not flee in time.
Confirming the incident, a native of the area, Mr. Lawrence Dogari, said, “For now, I can confirm that over seven persons have been killed, while some others are still missing.”
The Director of Press and Publicity to the Executive Chairman of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, Danaan Cletus Sylvanus, also confirmed the attack but noted that the exact number of casualties had yet to be determined.
He said the council chairman, Hon. Christopher Audu Manship, condemned the attack on innocent residents and was working with security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended. According to him, the chairman promised to provide further updates as more details emerge.
Efforts to get a response from the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to multiple phone calls.
Friday’s attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Plateau State. On Christmas Eve, gunmen similarly attacked the Bum community in Jos South Local Government Area, killing seven people.