A burial ceremony for seven members of a family killed in a previous attack was violently disrupted on Wednesday when armed assailants reportedly stormed a community in the Barkin Ladi area of Plateau State, forcing mourners to flee for safety amid heavy gunfire.
The victims, who were killed in an earlier night raid near Jos, were being laid to rest when the situation suddenly deteriorated. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the funeral proceedings quickly turned chaotic as suspected attackers advanced toward the burial ground, triggering panic across the area.
A social media user present at the scene gave live updates describing intense gunfire and widespread fear among residents. According to his account, mourners abandoned the gravesite and scattered into nearby bushes as shots rang out and armed men were seen moving closer to the location.
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Footage shared from the scene showed people running in different directions in an attempt to escape, while voices urged others to take cover. The atmosphere reportedly shifted from mourning to survival within minutes as the attack escalated.
In follow-up remarks, the eyewitness described the situation as extremely dangerous, noting that gunfire was coming from multiple directions and suggesting the presence of a large number of armed individuals in the vicinity.
What was meant to be a final farewell for the deceased reportedly ended in further distress for the already grieving community, deepening fears among residents of recurring attacks in the area.
The Barkin Ladi axis has experienced repeated incidents of violence in recent years, contributing to ongoing concerns about insecurity in parts of Plateau State, particularly in rural communities.
Authorities had yet to issue an official response at the time of reporting, as attempts to reach the state police spokesperson were unsuccessful.
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