Gunmen Kill 15, Pregnant Woman, One-year-old in Plateau Community Attack

Despite heightened security measures by the Plateau State Government and security agencies to ensure a peaceful Christmas and New Year celebration, gunmen launched a brutal attack on Kidan Ado community in Riyom Local Government Area on Sunday, December 22, killing 15 residents, including a pregnant woman and a one-year-old child. Eyewitnesses described the attack as cruel and barbaric.

In anticipation of the festive season, Governor Caleb Muftwang had convened an emergency State Security Council meeting to prevent a recurrence of the 2023 Christmas Eve massacre, which claimed over 100 lives in Plateau communities. Measures included police deployment across the state, restrictions on night activities such as grazing, farming, and beer parlour operations, and a ban on commercial motorcycles and tricycles during key festive dates.

However, the attackers struck at about 10:45 p.m. on Sunday, just 48 hours before Christmas. Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen, suspected to be Fulani militias, stormed the community on motorcycles, firing indiscriminately and killing residents in their homes or as they attempted to flee. Survivors recounted failed attempts to alert security forces due to poor network coverage, which allowed the assailants to terrorize the area for nearly two hours.

By the time troops from Operation Safe Haven arrived, the attackers had fled into the bush. Irigwe Development Association National Publicity Secretary Samuel Jugo confirmed that the victims were Irigwe natives from Bassa Local Government Area. Those killed included individuals ranging from a one-year-old child to adults in their 50s. One injured survivor, Linda Moses, is receiving treatment at an undisclosed location.

The victims were buried in a mass grave on Monday, as residents mourned the loss of loved ones. Riyom Local Government Chairman Hon. Sati Shuwa, along with other officials and community leaders, condemned the attack, vowing that measures would be taken to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, many residents celebrated Christmas on a subdued note, with some relocating to Jos and nearby towns for safety.

The incident underscores ongoing security challenges in Plateau State despite efforts to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed during the festive period.