Plateau Leaders Lament Attack as eight victims of a deadly Gwon-Ajang village assault are buried amid grief and renewed security calls
Community leaders, lawmakers and grieving families gathered in Gwon-Ajang village, Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State for the mass burial of eight residents killed in a suspected bandit attack that has left the rural community in deep mourning and renewed anguish.
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The victims were among those killed during a late-night assault on Sunday, May 31, 2026, when heavily armed attackers, said to number over 100, stormed the village around 10pm, opening fire on residents who had already retired for the night.
More than 15 others sustained serious injuries in the violent raid.
Plateau Leaders Lament Attack as emotions ran high during the burial, with family members and sympathisers struggling to come to terms with the scale of loss in what witnesses described as a devastating and traumatic farewell.
The ceremony was marked by tears and grief, as mourners gathered alongside religious leaders, traditional rulers and community stakeholders to pay their final respects to the deceased, laid to rest in an atmosphere described as deeply painful and emotionally draining.
Former member of the House of Representatives for Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, Peter Gyendeng, condemned the recurring violence in the area, describing the killings as a distressing reminder of the fragile state of peace across Plateau communities.
Gyendeng expressed frustration over what he called the continuous cycle of attacks, stressing that residents had remained peaceful despite repeated assaults on their communities.
He urged authorities to take urgent and decisive steps to halt further bloodshed.
He also questioned the effectiveness of existing security measures, noting that rural communities were increasingly left vulnerable despite their efforts to coexist peacefully with neighbouring areas.
“We are sick and tired of being killed,” Gyendeng said, lamenting the persistent insecurity and calling for stronger protection for affected communities.
Plateau Leaders Lament Attack continued as Member of the House of Representatives for Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency, Ishaya Lalu, also described the killings as heartbreaking and unacceptable, warning that no community should be forced to live under constant fear.
Lalu said the attacks represented a direct assault on human dignity and peaceful coexistence, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable populations and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The tragedy has once again reignited calls for improved security presence in rural farming communities, particularly as the farming season begins, with residents warning that continued attacks could further destabilise food production and community life.
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As the burial concluded, the atmosphere remained sombre, with many residents calling for swift and decisive government intervention to prevent further loss of life in the region.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
