By Amarachi Jim-Nwoko
PLATEAU (PRECISE POST) – A late-night shooting at a social gathering in Plateau State has left at least five people dead, with security operatives launching a manhunt for those behind the deadly attack.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed that the incident occurred on Sunday night in Gwan-Ajang village, Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where gunmen opened fire on residents gathered for a social event.
Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, said officers attached to the Gindiri Division received a distress call at about 9:22 p.m. and swiftly moved to the scene to contain the situation.
According to him, the victims were attacked while participating in what appeared to be a community celebration.
“We got a call of a shooting that happened around Gwan-Ajang village, and we mobilised men to stabilise the situation,” Alabo said.
“From what we gathered, some members of the community were having an occasion or a party when they suddenly heard sporadic shooting.”
He disclosed that upon arrival, officers found several victims lying in pools of blood.
“When our men got there, they met some persons in pools of their blood.
As I speak to you, five of them were confirmed dead,” he stated.
Alabo noted that conflicting reports about the exact location of the incident stem from the village’s proximity to both Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.
“Depending on where people are telling the story from, some say Barkin Ladi, others say Mangu,” he explained.
The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations to intensify security efforts in the area.
He added that security personnel were working closely with Operation Enduring Peace to restore calm and track down the perpetrators.
“Our men are there, and we are working with Operation Enduring Peace, who have also made deployments. Calm has been restored, and we are looking forward to making some arrests because we have good intel,” Alabo added.
However, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Rwang Tengwong, disputed the official casualty figure, claiming that at least seven persons lost their lives in the attack.
“At least seven persons have been reportedly killed in another armed invasion by armed Fulani gangs at about 9:30 p.m. in Gwan-Ajang village,” Tengwong alleged.
He further claimed that more than 10 others sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Community sources said the attack occurred after a period of relative calm in Plateau, alleging that violence had reduced until after the conclusion of recent political party primaries ahead of the next general elections, although security authorities have not independently verified the claim.
Police said investigations are ongoing, while surveillance and patrol operations have been intensified across the affected area as efforts continue to apprehend those responsible.
