By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

At least four people have reportedly been killed after suspected gunmen attacked Sabon Angwa community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, hours after a Berom youth leader warned of possible coordinated assaults on communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas.

The attack reportedly occurred at about 7:22 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, when the armed assailants stormed the community and opened fire on residents. The incident has heightened fears among residents, particularly following an earlier security alert issued by the President of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri.

In the alert released at about 5:19 p.m. on Thursday, Mwantiri, a lawyer, said intelligence reports indicated that suspected armed groups were mobilising in parts of the two local government areas to launch simultaneous attacks. He alleged that some of the suspected gunmen, reportedly riding motorcycles, had been sighted in Fass and Rankum communities in Riyom, as well as Werre, Jong and Ruga Jalo in Barkin Ladi.

The youth leader identified several communities as potential targets, including Rakok, Sabon Layi, Rakung, Bet, Gassa, Razat and Dorowa-Babuje in Ropp District of Barkin Ladi. Other areas mentioned were Rawuru, Nafan, Katirang, Nding Sesut and Rapyam in Fan District, as well as Chit and Pwomol in Heipang District. In Riyom, the communities listed included Kwi, Wereng, Vwak, Tanjol, Tashek, Byei/Kum, Rim and Gwa-Rim.

Mwantiri urged residents of the affected communities and neighbouring villages to remain vigilant, warning that the attacks could begin during the night. He also raised concerns about the alleged use of drones by the suspected attackers and called on security agencies to take the intelligence seriously and strengthen surveillance across the threatened areas.

The attack on Sabon Angwa, which occurred hours after the warning, has renewed concerns over the persistent security challenges in Plateau State. Residents are expected to look to security agencies for an urgent response, including increased patrols, intelligence gathering and protection of vulnerable communities. The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identities of those responsible were not immediately established.