Gunmen on Thursday night attacked a community in Plateau State, killing a 30-year-old man, Mr Elisha Saku, in a brutal incident that has once again raised concerns over insecurity in the area.
The attack took place at Riwhie-Chwo in Nzharuvo, Miango District of Bassa Local Government Area, a region that has experienced repeated violence in recent years.
Residents said the gunmen struck around 10 p.m., catching the community off guard and causing panic among villagers, many of whom fled for safety.
According to local accounts, the attackers ambushed the victim and beheaded him, leaving behind a scene that shocked residents and deepened fears about the security situation in the area.
The killing was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Irigwe Youth Movement, a socio-cultural group representing the Irigwe people of Plateau State.
The statement, signed by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Joseph Yonkpa, described the incident as brutal and heartbreaking.
“Yesterday night, April 16, 2026, gunmen ambushed and beheaded Mr Elisha Abbas Saku, 30, at Riwhie-Chwo, Nzharuvo, Miango District of Bassa LGA, Plateau State,” the statement read.
The group expressed sorrow over the killing and prayed for the repose of the victim’s soul. It also called for comfort for the bereaved family and the wider Irigwe community.
Residents who spoke about the incident said the attack created fear across nearby villages, with many people staying indoors or seeking refuge in safer areas.
The latest attack adds to a series of violent incidents in Bassa Local Government Area, which has become one of the flashpoints of insecurity in Plateau State.
For years, communities in the area have faced attacks linked to disputes over land, farming, and grazing, as well as broader security challenges affecting parts of northern Nigeria.
Farming communities have been particularly vulnerable, with many residents relying on agriculture for their livelihood. Frequent attacks have disrupted farming activities, leading to food shortages and economic hardship.
Local leaders have repeatedly called on security agencies to increase their presence in the area and take stronger action to protect lives and property.
Residents say many of the attacks in the area occur at night, when communities are less prepared and security presence is limited. The latest incident followed this pattern, with gunmen striking under the cover of darkness.
Such attacks often leave communities in fear, as people worry about when the next incident may occur.
Some residents have also raised concerns about slow response times by security forces, though authorities have continued to assure the public of ongoing efforts to tackle the situation.
Following the latest killing, community groups and stakeholders have renewed calls for urgent action to address insecurity in Plateau State.
The Irigwe Youth Movement urged authorities to take decisive steps to prevent further attacks and bring those responsible to justice.
Beyond the statistics and reports, incidents like this have a deep impact on families and communities.
The death of Elisha Saku has left his family in grief, while the wider community continues to live in fear of further violence.
Many residents say the constant threat of attack has affected daily life, including farming, schooling, and social activities.
In some cases, people have been forced to abandon their homes and move to safer locations, leading to displacement and further hardship.
While there has been no immediate official statement from security agencies regarding this specific incident, authorities in Plateau State have previously acknowledged the security challenges in the region.
Efforts have included deploying security personnel, conducting patrols, and engaging community leaders in peace-building initiatives.
However, residents say more needs to be done to restore confidence and ensure lasting peace.
The situation in Plateau State reflects a broader challenge facing parts of Nigeria, where rural communities continue to deal with insecurity.
For now, the people of Miango District and surrounding areas remain on edge, hoping for improved security and an end to the cycle of violence.
As investigations into the latest attack continue, many are calling for justice for the victim and stronger protection for vulnerable communities.