Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
JOS, Nigeria – The Plateau State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has confirmed the brutal killing of five people in the Nding Susut community, Fan District of Barkin-Ladi local government area, in an attack by unidentified gunmen on the night of Tuesday, 5th May 2026.
According to a statement issued to Stonix News on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer for Plateau State, Superintendent Alfred Alabo, the assailants opened fire on residents who were seated outside their homes.
The attack resulted in the tragic loss of five lives: four females and a nine-year-old boy.
Three other victims, all female, sustained injuries of varying severity and are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital.
The bodies of the deceased have been deposited in the hospital’s mortuary.
SP Alabo explained that upon receiving the report of the incident, a team of police personnel led by the Divisional Police Officer for Barkin-Ladi was immediately mobilised to the scene.
“The area has since been secured, and normalcy is gradually being restored,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police for Plateau State, CP Bassey Ewah, strongly condemned what he described as “this senseless act of violence” and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Nding Susut community.
In a bid to prevent a recurrence and safeguard lives and property, CP Ewah has ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams and operational assets to Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area.
“The deployment includes mobile police personnel and other specialised units to enhance patrols, intelligence gathering, and rapid response,” SP Alabo noted.
The Command is working closely with other security agencies and community leaders to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. “Investigations have commenced, and efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the assailants,” the police spokesperson added.
CP Ewah assured residents of Barkin-Ladi and Plateau State at large that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and restoring lasting peace in the state.
He further urged the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid investigations.
“The general public is also advised to report any suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s control room emergency lines as follows: 08038907662 / 07059473022,” SP Alabo added.
