Tragic violence has once again struck Plateau State after gunmen launched a deadly Thursday night attack on Sabon Angwa community, near Bet/Zat in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, leaving four residents dead.
​The attack, which occurred on Thursday, October 29, 2026, has heightened security anxieties among local communities, as the violence transpired despite an active curfew imposed by state authorities to curb ongoing communal and insurgent violence in the region.
​According to local witnesses and community leaders, the assailants stormed Sabon Angwa under the cover of darkness, opening fire indiscriminately on residents and destroying property before fleeing the scene.
​Confirming the incident, the Military Taskforce maintaining peace in the state, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), disclosed that security forces responded swiftly upon receiving distress calls, but the attackers had already inflicted fatal casualties.
​”We received report of an attack at Sabon Angwa community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on Thursday night,” stated Captain James Long, Spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven.
“Our personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene to secure the area and track down the perpetrators. Regrettably, four individuals lost their lives during the assault. Investigations are actively ongoing, and we remain committed to apprehending those responsible for this heinous act.”
​Additionally, the Plateau State Police Command confirmed the casualities and noted that reinforcement teams have been deployed to stabilize the area.
​”The Command is fully aware of the unfortunate incident at Sabon Angwa, Bet/Zat axis,” said DSP Alfred Alabo, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Plateau State Police Command. “Tactical units have been deployed to reinforce security in Barkin Ladi LGA, conduct thorough patrols, and prevent any breakdown of law and order. We appeal to members of the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.”
​The attack highlights persistent security challenges in Plateau State, particularly across vulnerable rural communities in Barkin Ladi, Mangu, and Bokkos LGAs. Community leaders expressed deep dismay that such an invasion could occur during restricted movement hours under the state-mandated curfew.
​”Our people are living in constant fear,” said a local community representative who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons. “Despite the official curfew, attackers still manage to move freely into our villages at night. We need stronger, proactive security presence directly stationed within our local communities.”
​State government officials have assured residents that measures are being intensified to review current security strategies and enforce stricter compliance with movement restrictions across affected local government areas.
