Fresh violence has erupted in Plateau State following a deadly attack by gunmen on the Nding Susut community in Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, leaving five persons dead and three others injured.

The incident, which occurred late Tuesday evening, has deepened fear among residents already grappling with recurring attacks in parts of the state.

Residents said the attackers invaded the community at about 8 p.m., opening fire on people who were seated outside their homes, causing panic and confusion.

A community member, Weng Christopher, said the gunmen targeted members of a family before fleeing the scene.

According to him, one of the victims initially escaped but was later pursued and killed by the attackers.

“This is becoming too frequent. People are living in constant fear. We can no longer sleep peacefully because these attacks keep happening,” Christopher said.

The Berom Youth Moulders Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, also condemned the attack, describing it as disturbing and unacceptable.

“The gunmen came around 8 p.m. and attacked members of a family who were sitting outside. One person ran away but was later traced and killed,” he said.

He further expressed concern that the community is located close to a military checkpoint, yet attackers continue to operate without being apprehended.

“It is disturbing that this community is very close to a military checkpoint, yet these attackers continue to strike and escape without arrests,” he added.

Tengwong also noted that the attackers attempted to invade the neighbouring Rim community in Riyom Local Government Area on the same night but were repelled by local vigilantes and members of Operation Rainbow.

Confirming the incident, the Plateau State Police Command said five persons, comprising four females and a nine-year-old boy, were killed, while three other female victims sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital.

Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, said the victims were attacked while sitting outside their homes.

“The assailants opened fire on residents who were seated in front of their houses, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives, four females and one nine-year-old boy. Three other victims, all females, sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment,” the statement read.

He added that police operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer in Barkin Ladi, were immediately deployed to the scene, and the area has since been secured with normalcy gradually returning.

Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, condemned the attack and ordered the deployment of additional tactical teams to the area to prevent further violence.

“The Plateau State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and restoring lasting peace in the state. We urge residents to remain calm and law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing investigations,” he said.

The latest attack comes barely one week after another deadly incident reportedly claimed five lives in the same axis, heightening concerns over worsening insecurity in Plateau communities.