Three Killed In Fresh Plateau Attack

The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that three people were killed and one was injured in an attack carried out by gunmen on Pwomol Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

It was learnt that the attack took place in the early hours of Monday.

The victims were identified as Marvin Dung Choji, 23; Bitrus Pam Choji, 24; and Daniel M. Dung, 59.

Stephen Pam Davou, 48, sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

Confirming the killings in a statement released on Monday evening, the command’s spokesman, Alabo Alfred, said a joint response team repelled the attack and arrested one suspect, Suleiman, who is currently in custody.

The statement read, “The Plateau State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that on April 6, 2026, at about 4:30 a.m., we received a distress call from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area reporting gunshot sounds around Pwomol Village in Heipang District.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police mobilised a Joint Response Team comprising the DPO of Barkin Ladi, the military, and other security agencies, who engaged the attackers in a gun duel. Due to the superior firepower of our team, the attackers were forced to flee into the surrounding mountainous forests.

“During the attack, however, three persons unfortunately lost their lives, while one other sustained injuries and was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention. In a follow-up clearance operation carried out by the team, one suspect, identified as Suleiman (male) was arrested around the Redemption Camp. The suspect was apprehended with visible bloodstains and is currently in custody.

“The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Bassey Ewah, paid a visit to the scene of the incident for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that a thorough, professional, and transparent investigation will be conducted with a view to apprehending other fleeing suspects and ensuring they are brought to justice.

“He further urged all Plateau residents to remain calm, vigilant, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.

“As an additional measure to restore public confidence and prevent further threats to the community, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has also reinforced security presence in the area through additional deployments, intensified patrols, and synergy with other security agencies.

“The Plateau State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state. To this end, the Commissioner of Police and members of his management team have embarked on full enforcement of the curfew. He therefore urges all residents to respect the curfew restrictions in order to avoid sanctions.”

Also, in a statement on Monday, the lawmaker representing Barkin Ladi Constituency, Dickson Y. Chollom, condemned the attack and demanded justice for the victims.

“We will no longer accept the term ‘unknown gunmen”, the lawmaker said.

Chollom noted that one of the perpetrators had been arrested and had made confessions about those who joined him in carrying out the attack against his people.

He called on security agencies to ensure that all confessions and findings from the investigation are made public, including the identities of those involved, and urged the Plateau State Commissioner for Justice to take up the case and ensure that justice is served.