Gunmen have killed 8 civilians and injured 10 others in Gwon-Ajang village in Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Locals said the attack occurred at about 10pm on Sunday when the criminal elements stormed the community and opened fire on villagers who gathered for a birthday celebration.
The gunmen were said to have started shooting randomly, causing panic as residents scampered for safety.
National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM-A), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attack in a statement on Monday.
Tengwong said at least eight persons were killed, while more than 10 others sustained severe injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment.
The group expressed concern over the renewed violence in the area and called on security agencies to take decisive action to halt the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The injured victims were said to have been evacuated to nearby health facilities, while security personnel were reportedly deployed to the area following the incident.
A witness, Bishop Iliya, said the victims had gathered to celebrate the birthday of one of their members when the attackers struck.
He said the gunmen shot at people on sight, leaving several persons dead while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Iliya lamented the recurring attacks on communities in Plateau and called on security agencies to take urgent steps to safeguard lives and property.
“The people were gathered for a birthday celebration when the gunmen arrived and started shooting at everything in sight. It is a painful and unfortunate situation for our community,” he said.
Barkin Ladi and adjoining local government areas have been under repeated attacks in recent times.
