Armed bandits have struck again in Plateau State, killing one person and kidnapping two others in a fresh attack that has sparked renewed fear and tension in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, around 12:15 a.m., when a group of young men was ambushed while on their way to Barkin Ladi town.
A local source who spoke to journalists under anonymity said the attackers, believed to be heavily armed bandits, suddenly opened fire on the unsuspecting youths.
One of the victims, 25-year-old Dayes Alexander, was killed on the spot, while two others — Palang Daniel, 26, and Gabriel Ayuba, 25 were kidnapped and taken to an unknown location.
According to the source, the youths were likely returning home from an event or meeting when they were attacked. The gunmen, believed to be hiding in the surrounding bushes, launched a surprise ambush along the quiet route leading into Barkin Ladi town.
“It was sudden and brutal. They shot at them without any warning,” the source said. “By the time people nearby heard the gunshots and raised alarm, the bandits had already taken two of them away.”
The local vigilante group and security agencies were said to have arrived shortly after the incident. The body of the deceased was recovered and later released to his family after the family declined an autopsy.
Following the attack, security operatives including personnel from the Nigerian Army, police, and local hunters have been deployed to the area. They have since launched a search-and-rescue operation, combing nearby forests and suspected hideouts in an effort to locate and rescue the kidnapped victims.
As of the time of this report, no official statement has been released by the Plateau State Police Command. However, locals say the security presence in Barkin Ladi and surrounding villages has increased in the wake of the attack.
This latest incident adds to a series of violent attacks and kidnappings that have plagued communities in Plateau State, especially in the Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu, and Riyom local government areas.
Despite the presence of security forces, rural communities continue to face attacks from suspected bandits and armed herders. Most of these attacks occur at night or during the early hours of the morning, making it difficult for residents to defend themselves.
In recent months, dozens of lives have been lost and several people abducted in Plateau State. The attacks have disrupted farming activities and forced many residents to flee their homes for fear of further violence.
Community leaders and civil society groups in Plateau State have repeatedly called on the federal and state governments to do more to protect rural communities.
“The killings and kidnappings are becoming too frequent,” said a youth leader in Barkin Ladi, who also confirmed the recent attack. “Our people are not safe. Every day, someone is either killed or taken away. We are tired of empty promises.”
He urged the government to provide more support to security agencies and ensure that intelligence gathering and response time are improved.
Residents are calling on Governor Caleb Mutfwang and President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and bring an end to the rising insecurity in the state.
“They should not wait until more lives are lost before taking action,” a concerned resident said. “We want peace, and we want to be able to go about our lives without fear.”
