At least eight people have been killed and ten others injured following an attack by gunmen on Gwon-Ajang village in Foron District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The assault occurred around 10:00 p.m. on Sunday when assailants opened fire on villagers who had gathered for a birthday celebration. Witnesses reported that the attackers shot indiscriminately, causing panic as residents fled for safety.
Rwang Tengwong, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), confirmed the incident in a statement released on Monday. He added that the injured are currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. A resident, Bishop Iliya, described the tragic event, stating that the victims were enjoying a social gathering when the gunmen arrived and began shooting at everything in sight. He called the situation painful and unfortunate for the community.
Iliya lamented the recurring attacks on communities in Plateau State and urged authorities to implement stronger security measures to protect residents. Security personnel were deployed to the area following the attack, and the BYM has called on security agencies to take decisive action to apprehend the perpetrators. This incident adds to a growing list of attacks recorded across Plateau State in recent weeks.
Kogi State Bans Echane Festival
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has banned the Echane cultural festival in Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area, following the deaths of two people during violence that erupted at the event. The victims were reportedly hit by stray bullets after the festival descended into a gun duel. According to eyewitnesses, the crisis began when off-duty soldiers who had returned home for the festivities allegedly incited violence in retaliation after some of their colleagues were reportedly beaten by a masquerade in Inorere, Ogaminana, a few days earlier.
An eyewitness stated that despite immediate intervention by the Adavi Peace Committee and the Local Cultural Union to de-escalate the situation and appease the aggrieved personnel, all mediation efforts failed. The witness added that the soldiers allegedly called for reinforcements from their operational base in Okene, and upon arrival, the troops began firing sporadically into the air. This indiscriminate shooting resulted in casualties among innocent bystanders. A young POS attendant named Omeiza was struck by a stray bullet while inside his kiosk and later confirmed dead. A second victim was hit by gunfire while sitting peacefully in his room.
In response to the violence, the Kogi State Government announced the suspension of the Echane Festival across Ebiraland. The government stated that the decision followed credible intelligence reports indicating that activities associated with the festival could threaten public peace, safety, and security, potentially leading to a breakdown of law and order in parts of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Armed Bandits Attack in Kabba-Bunu
In a separate incident, armed bandits invaded Ayegunle Bunu community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing one person and abducting more than 30 residents and travelers. The Guardian learned that the gunmen stormed the community at about 2:25 a.m., killing a resident whose identity had not been confirmed at press time. Sources said the attackers abducted a man, his wife, and several other residents at gunpoint, while also laying an ambush on a nearby highway where they intercepted commercial vehicles and kidnapped passengers.
At press time, the exact number of persons abducted during the attack remained unclear. The attack also left several residents injured. Efforts to obtain confirmation from the Kogi State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Oyiza Saliu, could not be reached by telephone.
