Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published October 29, 2026
At least seven people have been reported killed in two separate attacks on farming communities in Nigeria’s Plateau State, raising renewed concerns over the safety of rural residents amid persistent armed violence.
The attacks occurred in Gero village in Jos South Local Government Area on October 26 and in Gwom-Ajang village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on October 24, according to local reporting. The incidents targeted communities described by local sources as Christian farming settlements.
Gunmen Open Fire in Gero Village
The deadlier of the two reported incidents occurred on Monday night, October 26, when armed men entered Gero village and opened fire on residents gathered at shops and a local restaurant.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), a community youth organization, reported that seven people were killed in the attack. However, the Plateau State Police Command confirmed six fatalities, leaving a discrepancy in the reported death toll.
Police said the attackers fled toward nearby hills and forested areas after security personnel responded. Joint security teams subsequently launched search operations and recovered motorcycles and other items believed to have been abandoned by the assailants.
Plateau State Commissioner of Police Ayodeji Faniyan visited the community to assess the situation and meet local representatives. Authorities said investigations were underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the killings and pledged that investigators would pursue available evidence to track down the perpetrators. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to security agencies.
Woman Killed During Harvesting Attack
The second attack took place on October 24 in Gwom-Ajang village, where armed men reportedly ambushed women harvesting groundnuts and soybeans.
A 60-year-old woman, Anthonia Sunday, was killed, while two other women were injured. One of the injured victims, identified as 30-year-old Happiness Gwom, reportedly sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to Jos University Teaching Hospital for treatment.
The incident highlighted the risks facing farmers who depend on access to their land for their livelihoods. Local community representatives have called for stronger security measures to protect residents working in agricultural areas.
Security Concerns Persist Across Plateau State
Plateau State, in central Nigeria, has experienced repeated deadly attacks involving armed groups and local communities. The violence has raised concerns about civilian protection, displacement and the ability of farmers to cultivate their land safely.
Community organizations have urged state authorities and security agencies to strengthen patrols, improve early-warning systems and respond more quickly to reports of threats. They have also called for investigations and the prosecution of those responsible for the killings.
Although community representatives have attributed some attacks to armed Fulani herdsmen, police have described the perpetrators in the latest Gero incident as unidentified gunmen. The identities and motives of those responsible have not been independently established in the available reports.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are pursuing leads in the Gero attack, with joint security personnel conducting operations to locate the fleeing gunmen. Governor Mutfwang has pledged government support for efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The reported deaths in Gero and Gwom-Ajang have renewed calls for stronger protection of vulnerable communities across Plateau State, particularly residents who must travel to farms and work outdoors despite continuing security threats.
