Amid the troubling cycle of attacks that has unsettled several communities across Plateau State in recent months, a group of armed men suspected to be bandits invaded the Ratatis community, killing seven villagers and leaving several others critically injured.
The attack, which took place in the Dorowa Babuje district within Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, occurred on Sunday night while residents had retired for the day.
Community members said the assailants stormed the area while residents were asleep, firing sporadically and setting properties ablaze, forcing people to flee in panic.
According to the survivors, several homes and farmlands were reduced to ashes during the attack, compounding the humanitarian toll on the agrarian community.
A resident, Albert Dung, described the invasion as prolonged and devastating.
“They came shooting and burning everything in sight. Seven people died instantly, and three others were taken to the hospital in critical condition,” he told newsmen on Monday morning.
He further alleged that warnings had been received before the incident, raising concerns about lapses in preventive security measures.
“There was intelligence suggesting an attack could happen,” Dung added. “We alerted the relevant security authorities, but there was no response. That left the people completely exposed.”
Similarly, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the fatalities and called for urgent intervention.
“Our hearts are with the grieving families. This tragedy highlights the need for proactive and intelligence-driven operations to forestall further bloodshed,” he said.
He urged security agencies to enhance surveillance and strengthen rapid response frameworks in vulnerable communities.
However, police authorities have yet to officially identify the perpetrators behind the killings. While some residents suspect armed militias were responsible, the claim has not been independently verified.
As investigations continue, affected families are mourning their loved ones, while survivors face the daunting task of rebuilding homes and livelihoods disrupted by yet another episode of violence.
