No fewer than seven persons, including a police officer, have been killed in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Six other persons sustained injuries in the attack which happened, on Saturday night.

Residents said the attackers stormed several communities in the area on Saturday evening, unleashing terror on villagers.

As of about 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, seven bodies, including that of the police officer, had reportedly been recovered and deposited at a mortuary.

The Berom Youth Moulders-Association, led by Barrister Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, confirmed the incident, stating that the slain police officer was caught in the attack while in one of the affected communities.

The officer’s son, identified simply as Nehemiah, told our correspondent that he was with his father shortly before the attack.

According to him, his father had stepped out when the gunmen invaded the area, shooting sporadically.

“We were together before he said he was going somewhere. Suddenly, the attackers came shooting, and my father was caught in the attack,” he said.

However, he declined to disclose the identity of the deceased officer, citing restrictions and instructions from authorities.

The youth association said the coordinated attacks occurred simultaneously in Sabon Layi, Rakung, Gangare and areas around the General Hospital axis, including Zat and Bet communities.

The group expressed concern that the attacks took place despite the heavy presence of security checkpoints and personnel across Barkin Ladi town.

The association also passed a vote of no confidence on the Sector 4 Commander of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Col. Victor Asuquo, and the Operations Officer, Captain Bello, accusing them of repeated security failures and inability to protect lives and property.

“It is deeply disturbing that communities continue to come under coordinated attacks in broad daylight and at night without any swift or effective response from security operatives,” the association said.

“Residents now live in constant fear, uncertainty and trauma while armed attackers move freely across communities unleashing terror on innocent civilians.”

The group further criticised the Plateau State Government over what it described as inadequate response to the recurring humanitarian crisis caused by insecurity in the state.

According to the association, the persistent attacks raise questions over why the state government has yet to establish a Ministry of Homeland Security and Humanitarian Services to coordinate security response, emergency management and support for affected communities.

“It is troubling that despite insecurity becoming a perennial challenge in Plateau State, there is still no dedicated ministry to drive proactive security policies and humanitarian interventions,” the statement added.

Efforts to get a reaction from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to the Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, were not responded to as of the time of filing this report. (Weekend Trust)