At least 15 people have been killed and several others injured in a violent attack on the Gidan Ado community in Ganawuri, located within the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The injured victims are currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
The attack, which occurred despite ongoing security efforts, has raised concerns about the safety of residents during the festive season.
Last year, similar armed assaults disrupted Christmas celebrations in communities across the Mangu, Barikin Ladi, and Bokkos Local Government Areas. In response, security agencies in the state have been holding meetings with local communities and stakeholders to ensure a peaceful holiday period.
However, armed assailants disregarded these efforts and launched an attack on Gidan Ado, a community inhabited by the Irigwe people from the Bassa Local Government Area. The assault caused significant damage to both lives and property.
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While the state Police Command and Operation Safe Haven (OpSH) have not yet provided specific details on the incident, the Chairman of Riyom Local Government, Sati Shuwa, confirmed the attack to Vanguard. Efforts to reach the OpSH spokesman, Major Samson Zhakom, were unsuccessful.
Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo stated that investigations were underway to determine the full scope of the attack and the circumstances surrounding it.
But Shuwa said: “The community was attacked on Sunday night. Fifteen people were killed, we just left the community. A mass burial had been given to the victims, and two survivors are undergoing treatment in a hospital.”
The National Publicity Secretary of Irigwe Development Association, IDA, Sam Jugo added: “The attack took place on Sunday night at Ri Do (aka Gidan Ado), a hamlet of Riyom LGA, Plateau State, predominantly inhabited by Irigwe natives from Bassa LGA.
“Our hearts bleed for the demise of our kinsmen who we hoped to spend this yuletide together but their lives were cut short. May their souls rest in peace with our maker and God’s comfort to their immediate families and the Irigwe nation.”
