No fewer than 36 people, including nine members of the same family, have been killed in separate attacks on communities in Plateau, Benue and Niger states.
In Plateau State, gunmen attacked Wereng-Camp and Kum villages in Riyom Local Government Area late Saturday, killing nine members of one family. The victims included women, children and a three-month-old baby, while one resident, Pam Yohanna, sustained life-threatening injuries.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, condemned the attack, describing it as another tragic reminder of the persistent violence targeting rural communities.
He urged the Federal Government to dismantle terrorist hideouts, protect vulnerable communities and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
When contacted, the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, said he had yet to receive a briefing on the incident.
In Benue State, at least 18 people, including a pregnant woman, were killed in separate attacks on Akpachi village in Ugboju community and the Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The attacks sparked protests as angry youths marched to the palace of the Och'Idoma carrying the bodies of some victims while demanding urgent government intervention. Protesters also blocked major roads leading into Otukpo.
Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, linked the latest violence to possible reprisals following the recent killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku Muhammad.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attacks, describing them as barbaric and unacceptable.
He directed security agencies to intensify surveillance, strengthen border security with neighbouring states and ensure the perpetrators are apprehended.
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the attacks. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said the Commissioner of Police had deployed tactical teams to the affected communities to restore calm, prevent further attacks and support ongoing efforts to apprehend those responsible.
She appealed to residents to remain calm and continue providing credible information to security agencies.
In Niger State, suspected terrorists reportedly killed nine people in separate attacks in Borgu Local Government Area between Thursday and Saturday.
Four people were killed when a vehicle reportedly struck an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Dakera-Babanna road.
Three others, including a former secondary school principal and a traditional title holder, were killed in attacks on Kpenya and Dekara communities, while two farmers were shot dead in Pissa community.
Two vigilantes also sustained gunshot injuries during an exchange of fire with the attackers.
The Niger State Police Command said it was verifying reports of the attacks.
Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the command would provide further details after receiving a full briefing.
The latest attacks add to growing concerns over recurring violence in several communities across the North-Central region, with residents calling for stronger security measures to stem the wave of killings.
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