Oluwatobi Adu 
PLATEAU, Nigeria – At least nine people, including a pastor, have been killed in fresh attacks across communities in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring areas of Plateau State.
The attacks occurred between Saturday night and Sunday morning, with victims reportedly killed in separate incidents in Gana-Ropp, Dorowa Babuje, Baten Wereng and Ratyidi.
Five of the victims were passengers travelling towards Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area when they were attacked on Saturday night. Two others, including a pastor, were reportedly killed on their way to church at Dorowa Babuje on Sunday morning.
A woman was also reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in Fan District. Community sources confirmed the deaths and called for stronger security measures in the affected areas. Multiple reports also said the attacks triggered tension and the movement of women and children from some vulnerable communities.
The Northern Christian Association, in a statement issued in Kaduna on Tuesday by its chairman, Rev Joseph John Hayab, expressed concern over the continued loss of lives, said every death represented a human tragedy and urged authorities to strengthen early warning and rapid-response systems. “Every life lost represents a human tragedy that should command the attention of the government and the wider society.”
The group also called for closer cooperation between security agencies and local communities, saying residents could play an important role in identifying suspicious movements and providing timely intelligence.
It urged authorities to conduct full investigations and bring those responsible for the attacks to justice.
The latest violence adds to continuing security concerns in parts of Plateau State, where recurring attacks have affected communities and displaced residents.
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Hope Ajayi 
Korede Abdullah 
