At least 10 people have been killed in fresh armed attacks on two rural communities in Plateau State, local leaders and residents say, as violence continues to deepen insecurity in the central Nigerian region. The incidents occurred late Sunday night in the Riyom Local Government Area, leaving families devastated and communities on edge.

According to Solomon Dalyop, National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYMA), assailants struck Dorowa Babuje in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area where nine people were killed, and Jol community in Riyom LGA where one person lost their life during near‑simultaneous attacks between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m..

Residents said the attackers arrived on motorcycles from surrounding bush paths, a hallmark of armed violence in the state, and began shooting at those they encountered. Despite earlier warnings to security agencies about suspicious movements, the assailants were able to carry out their deadly rampage before local Operation Rainbow security teams and military personnel could intervene.

Dalyop commended the swift response of the military in Dorowa Babuje, saying that prompt action likely prevented the death toll from worsening. In Jol, despite reinforcements, one resident was fatally wounded before security forces restored relative calm.

The spate of killings has sparked anger and grief among locals, prompting youths and women in Barkin Ladi to block the Jos‑Shendam highway on Monday morning in protest, demanding better protection and urgent action against the attackers. Demonstrators accused security forces of failing to prevent repeated assaults despite assurances from officials.

Family members of the victims have begun burial preparations while community leaders continue to call on state and federal authorities to strengthen security patrols and tackle the persistent violence afflicting Plateau State’s rural areas.