Plateau and Kaduna attacks leave 17 people dead as gunmen strike multiple communities, sparking renewed fears over worsening insecurity

Plateau and Kaduna attacks have claimed no fewer than 17 lives in a renewed wave of violence that struck multiple communities across both states between Friday and Saturday.

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In Kaduna State, seven people were confirmed dead and one other injured when gunmen invaded Damakasuwa community in Chawai Chiefdom, Kauru Local Government Area.

The attackers reportedly stormed the area around 8 p.m. on Friday, firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes.

Witnesses said the assault lasted several minutes without any immediate intervention from security operatives. The Paramount Chief of Chawai, Alhaji Yahaya Muhammad, confirmed the incident, noting that five people were killed on the spot while two others died later from injuries.

“The incident heightened tension in the area, but normalcy has since been restored due to the presence of military personnel,” he said. “We have urged our people to remain calm and allow security agencies to perform their duties.”

A local youth leader, Barnabas Chawai, said the attackers opened fire on villagers who were either preparing for bed or still engaged in evening activities.

“Six people were killed instantly, while another victim with a gunshot wound to the throat was taken to Jos for treatment,” he said.

As of press time, security agencies had yet to release an official statement. Calls to the Kaduna Police spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, went unanswered.

Residents have since appealed to the state government to strengthen surveillance and patrols in the troubled area.

Kauru LGA, located in southern Kaduna, remains one of the state’s most volatile regions, plagued by recurrent episodes of armed banditry and communal clashes.

Meanwhile, in Plateau State, 10 people were killed in separate attacks across Riyom and Mangu local government areas. Seven were reported dead in Kwi community, while three others were killed in Pushit community between Friday and Saturday.

Community leader Rwang Tengwon told journalists that “Kwi was attacked by suspected Fulani militia on Friday, leaving seven people dead. One person was later killed on his farm on Saturday afternoon, and another attack followed that night.”

The Mwaghavul Development Association condemned the killings in Mangu, urging security agencies to act swiftly. “We call on authorities to rise to the challenge of ending these unprovoked assaults on innocent lives,” said the group’s spokesperson, Friday Derwan.

Efforts to reach Plateau Police spokesperson Alabo Alfred were unsuccessful as his phone remained unreachable.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang had earlier imposed restrictions on night grazing, cattle transport after 7 p.m., and motorcycle movement between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. in a bid to curb the ongoing insecurity.

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The Plateau and Kaduna attacks mark yet another grim reminder of the persistent violence that continues to plague Nigeria’s north, leaving communities fearful and demanding stronger government action.