The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, has visited Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State after gunmen killed seven people, including a police officer, in attacks on several communities.
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Doro joined Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Monday for a condolence visit to villages affected by the violence, where they met grieving families, survivors and residents. The visit aimed to express solidarity with the victims and reassure them of government support during what officials described as a difficult period
The minister said the pain in the affected areas was deep, adding that no society should continue to endure repeated cycles of violence, killings and displacement.
According to him, the visit was not only to offer condolences but also to assure affected families that they were not alone.
“Our visit was not only to convey condolences, but also to reassure affected families that they are not alone and that government remains committed to supporting humanitarian response efforts and restoring peace and stability,” he said.
Doro added that moments of tragedy require compassion, unity and collective responsibility, especially in areas that have suffered repeated attacks.
The visit followed Saturday’s attack on several communities in Barkin Ladi. Residents said the attackers invaded the villages in the evening and opened fire on people.
According to residents, seven bodies had been recovered and taken to a mortuary by about 1 a.m. on Sunday. Six other people were also said to have sustained injuries.
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The incident came days after gunmen attacked Nding Susut community in Fan District of Barkin Ladi on May 5, killing six people, including five members of the same family.
It also followed another deadly attack in Ngbra Zongo community of Kwall District in Bassa Local Government Area, where at least 13 people, including three pregnant women, were killed in a midnight raid.
The Berom Youth Moulders Association, led by Dalyop Mwantiri, confirmed the latest attack in Barkin Ladi. The group said the attacks occurred simultaneously in Sabon Layi, Rakung, Gangare, Zat, Bet and areas around the General Hospital axis.
According to an earlier report by Premium Times, the police officer killed in the attack was caught in one of the affected communities.
The officer’s son, identified simply as Nehemiah, said he was with his father shortly before the attack began.
“We were together before he said he was going somewhere. Suddenly, the attackers came shooting, and my father was caught in the attack,” he said.
He declined to disclose the identity of his late father, citing instructions from authorities.
The youth association expressed concern that the attacks occurred despite what it described as the heavy presence of security personnel and checkpoints across Barkin Ladi town.
“It is deeply disturbing that communities continue to come under coordinated attacks in broad daylight and at night without any swift or effective response from security operatives,” the group said.
“Residents now live in constant fear, uncertainty and trauma while armed attackers move freely across communities unleashing terror on innocent civilians.”
The association also passed a vote of no confidence on the Sector 4 Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Victor Asuquo, and the Operations Officer, Captain Bello, accusing them of failing to protect lives and property in the affected areas.
It further criticised the Plateau State Government over what it called an inadequate humanitarian and security response to the recurring violence.
The group called on the state government to establish a Ministry of Homeland Security and Humanitarian Services to coordinate emergency response, security interventions and support for displaced and vulnerable communities.
“It is troubling that despite insecurity becoming a perennial challenge in Plateau State, there is still no dedicated ministry to drive proactive security policies and humanitarian interventions,” the statement added.
The attack has renewed concern over security in Plateau’s rural communities, where repeated violence has killed residents, displaced families and left many people living in fear.
Despite the grief and fear caused by the latest attack, the minister has expressed assurance that the affected families would not be abandoned. He said government remains committed to humanitarian support, peacebuilding efforts and measures to protect vulnerable communities.
