Seven Killed as Gunmen Storm Plateau Village in Night Attack
“Gunmen have killed at least seven people in a deadly night attack on Bong village in Plateau State’s Qua’an-Pan LGA, raising fresh concerns over persistent insecurity despite ongoing military operations.”
Gunmen have attacked a rural community in Plateau State’s Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area, killing at least seven people and injuring several others in the latest spate of violence to hit the state.
The attack occurred on Friday night in Bong village, Doemak District, where the assailants reportedly carried out a coordinated house-to-house operation, targeting women, children, and elderly residents.
PUNCH Newspapers first reported the incident, citing witnesses in Jos who said the attackers were heavily armed and struck at a time when residents were largely unprepared.
Survivors told the newspaper that many of the victims were individuals who could not escape in time.
A native of the area, Lawrence Dogari, confirmed the killings, warning that the death toll could rise as search efforts continue.
“For now, I can confirm to you that over seven persons have been killed, while some persons are still missing,” Mr Dogari said.
The Director of Press and Publicity to the Executive Chairman of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, Danaan Sylvanus, also confirmed the attack but said the exact number of casualties had yet to be determined.
“The council boss, Hon. Christopher Audu Manship, is condemning the attack on innocent persons and is collaborating with security operatives to ensure that the culprits are arrested,” Mr Sylvanus said, adding that residents would be updated as more information emerges.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful, as its spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, did not respond to multiple phone calls as of Saturday afternoon.
A State Under Sustained Attack
Friday’s killings are the latest in a series of violent attacks that have plagued Plateau State in recent months.
On Christmas Eve, gunmen attacked Bum community in Jos South Local Government Area, killing at least seven people.
The renewed violence has occurred despite intensified military operations across several flashpoints in the state.
The publication previously reported that troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Enduring Peace, foiled a planned attack on communities in Wase Local Government Area on January 1, killing five suspected bandits during an intelligence-led ambush.
According to the army, the operation was conducted under Operation Peace Shield after troops intercepted armed men moving from Dutsen Zaki towards Odare Forest, allegedly en route to attack nearby communities.
Military Operations and Official Response
In a press release issued by the Joint Task Force, the Acting Media Information Officer, Joshua John, said troops engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle.
“During the firefight, troops neutralised five bandits, while others fled,” Mr John said.
He added that items recovered from the scene included two AK-47 rifle magazines containing 11 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, two machetes, and one knife.
Mr John said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to deny criminal groups freedom of action within Plateau State and adjoining areas.
“The General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, Maj.-Gen. E. F. Oyinlola, assures law-abiding residents of Plateau State of ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property,” he said.
“He also urges the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies.”
The task force further warned armed groups operating within the Joint Operations Area to desist from criminal activities or face decisive military action.
PERSISTENT INSECURITY
Despite these security operations, Plateau State has continued to record deadly attacks, kidnappings, and arms trafficking incidents.
In December, at least 28 travellers were abducted in Zak community, Wase Local Government Area, while travelling for a religious event.
In November, troops arrested a suspected gunrunner in Bassa Local Government Area and recovered locally fabricated rifles. Another raid in Bokkos Local Government Area led to the recovery of assault rifles and ammunition.
Residents and human rights groups have repeatedly called on authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and ensure sustained protection for vulnerable rural communities, warning that without accountability and consistent security presence, attacks like the one in Qua’an-Pan may persist.
As of Saturday afternoon, the Plateau State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the Bong village attack.
