Many persons are feared dead and several others injured after gunmen attacked mourners during a mass burial in Nding Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack occurred on Wednesday as residents gathered to bury seven victims of an earlier assault on the community.
Attack unfolds during burial rites
Sources said the gunmen, who were reportedly hiding on surrounding hills, stormed the area and opened fire on mourners as graves were being dug.
The sudden attack forced residents to abandon the burial and flee for safety.
Eyewitness recounts chaos
A journalist, Masara Kim, who witnessed the incident, said multiple communities were under simultaneous attack at the time.
“While we were at the burial site, the attackers emerged from the hills and began shooting,” he said, adding that he saw at least one person killed.
He noted that local defenders armed with hunting rifles were overwhelmed by the attackers.
Communities under pressure
According to local sources, at least five communities south of Jos were affected, with many residents fleeing as the violence escalated.
The Berom Youth Moulders Association confirmed the killings and said an attempted attack on Rim community in neighbouring Riyom LGA was repelled by vigilantes and Operation Rainbow personnel.
Police confirm earlier killings
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed a separate attack on Nding Susut on Tuesday night, where five people, including four women and a nine-year-old boy, were killed.
Three others were injured and are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital.
Security response underway
Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, condemned the attacks and announced the deployment of additional tactical teams, including mobile police units, to restore calm in the affected areas.
He assured residents that investigations were ongoing and urged the public to provide useful information to aid security operations.
Many killed as gunmen attack mourners at mass burial in Plateau State pic.twitter.com/RqKPMtUy5h
— Temitope Hassan (@temihat) May 6, 2026