Suspected gunmen have killed five residents of Nding Susut community in the Fan district of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday night, left four women and a nine-year-old boy dead after the assailants reportedly opened fire on residents gathered outside their homes.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, Alfred Alabo, said three other women were injured and are currently receiving treatment at a General Hospital.
“Three other victims, all females, sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at General Hospital, where the corpses of the deceased have also been deposited at the hospital morgue,” the statement reads.
Alabo said police officers led by the Divisional Police Officer of Barkin Ladi were immediately dispatched to the area after the attack was reported.
“Upon receipt of the report, a team of Policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer, Barkin Ladi, was immediately mobilized to the scene. The area has since been secured, and normalcy is gradually being restored,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, CP Bassey Ewah, condemned the killings and sympathised with the affected families and the community.
“The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Bassey Ewah, psc (++), FCAI, MSPSP, strongly condemns this senseless act of violence and extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire community of Nding Susut,” Alabo stated.
He further disclosed that more tactical teams, including mobile police officers and specialised units, have been deployed to the community to prevent another attack and improve security presence.
“The Command is working closely with other security agencies and community leaders to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he added.
Police also confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those behind the attack.
