At least eight Christians were killed and 10 others injured in a series of coordinated overnight attacks on communities in Plateau state, Nigeria, according to local sources. 

The attacks were reported across Bassa, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom local government areas, forcing residents to flee their homes as gunfire spread through the affected communities. 

The first incident was said to have occurred around 8 p.m. on Saturday in Kpasho, Kwall District, Bassa LGA, where armed men ambushed four youth traveling on a motorcycle. One person was killed at the scene, while another later died in the hospital. The other two sustained injuries and are receiving treatment. 

About two hours later, attackers reportedly stormed the Hurum Gashish NTV community in Barkin Ladi LGA and opened fire on residents. Four people were killed, and five others were wounded in the attack. 

In a third attack, which took place around 11 p.m., gunmen invaded the Shonong Bachi community in Riyom LGA, shooting sporadically and killing two people. Three others were injured. 

Nanpet Dala, a volunteer with the International Community on Nigeria (ICON), said security operatives arrested four youth from the area and later described them as terrorists, a development that triggered a protest and road blockade by residents demanding their release and an end to the killings. 

“Security operatives are very close to the place where the attack happened, but they intentionally refused to intervene,” Dala said. 

The attacks have left several families displaced and added to growing concerns among Christian communities in rural Plateau, where violence has continued to affect villages in the state’s middle belt. 

Rwang Tenglong, national publicity secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, confirmed the attacks on Monday in Jos, saying the affected communities were mourning their dead and supporting the wounded. 

He condemned the killings and said the injured victims had been taken to nearby health facilities for treatment. 

Efforts to obtain comment from Plateau State Police Command spokesperson Alfred Alabo were unsuccessful at the time of this report. 

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