By Palang Paul
At least eight people have been confirmed dead and 10 others injured following coordinated overnight attacks on communities in Plateau State, in the latest wave of violence to hit the Middle belt region.
The attacks occurred across Bassa,Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas, triggering panic and forcing residents to flee their homes.
The first attack was reported around 8 p.m. Saturday 18th April 2026 in Kpasho, Kwall District, Bassa LGA, where Fulani militias ambushed four youths travelling on a motorcycle. One victim was killed on the spot, while another later died in hospital. Two others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.
In a second attack on Sunday 19th April 2026 around 10 p.m. Fulani Militias stormed Hurum Gashish NTV community in Barkin Ladi, opening fire on residents. Four people were killed and five others wounded.
About an hour later on Sunday April 19th 2026, Fulani invaded Shonong Bachi community in Riyom LGA, shooting sporadically and killing two people, while three others suffered injuries.
Confirming the attack Nanpet Dala a volunteer with the International Community on Nigeria [ICON],says the security operatives arrest four of our innocent youths and later on declare them as terrorists which lead to a protest that shutdown the roads as they people demand release of the innocent youths and call for an end to the killings.
Security operatives are very close to the place that the attack happened but they intentionally refused to intervene Nanpet added.
The near-simultaneous assaults have raised fresh concerns over insecurity in rural Plateau communities, with residents describing scenes of fear and displacement as families fled for safety.
National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tenglong, confirmed the incidents on Monday in Jos the Plateau State Capital, saying the affected communities are in mourning.
He condemned the attacks and warned over the continued cycle of violence in the state, adding that the injured victims had been taken to nearby health facilities for treatment.
Efforts to obtain official comments from Plateau State Police Command spokesperson Alfred Alabo were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Palang Paul reports on Conflict and Security for The Nigeria Times.
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