Police confirm six killed in Plateau attack

The Police Public Relations Officer, Plateau State Police Command, SP Alfred Alabo. Photo: Plateau State Police Command.

The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the killing of six persons after gunmen attacked Gero community in Jos South Local Government Area of the state.

The command, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said the incident occurred in the early hours of October 27, 2026, when unidentified armed men invaded the community and opened fire.

“The Plateau State Police Command regrets to report a tragic incident that occurred in Gero community, Jos South Local Government Area, in the early hours of 27th October, 2026, when unidentified armed hoodlums invaded the community and opened fire sporadically, resulting in the death of six persons,” the statement said.

The attack, which was earlier reported to have claimed seven lives, threw the community into panic.

A community member, Mr Bot Silas, who confirmed the incident, said the gunmen stormed the area at about 10.20 pm and began shooting.

“The gunmen stormed the community at about 10:20 pm and started shooting sporadically. Some of the victims were killed in their shops, while others were attacked at a local restaurant where food was being prepared,” Silas said.

“Seven persons were killed in the attack, and the incident caused serious panic among residents. The attackers came at night and started shooting, forcing residents to scamper for safety,” he added.

The spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, Rwang Tengwong, condemned the killings, describing them as unacceptable.

“The killing of innocent people in Gero is condemnable and must not be allowed to continue. We call on the relevant security agencies to investigate the incident, bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure that residents can live and carry out their legitimate activities without fear,” Tengwong said.

The police said the Commissioner of Police immediately mobilised a team of mobile policemen and tactical teams led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to the scene after receiving the report.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately mobilised a team of Mobile Policemen and Tactical Teams led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, to the scene and, in conjunction with the Military Team and OPS Rainbow operatives, dislodged the assailants who fled into the surrounding hillside forest,” the statement added.

According to the police, the bodies of the deceased were evacuated to the morgue, while one injured victim was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The command said joint security forces had commenced bush-combing, cordon, search and clearance operations in the area, adding that the operations were ongoing.

“The operations led to the recovery of some motorcycles and other exhibits connected to the attack, which were abandoned by the suspected hoodlums. Investigation is being intensified to track and arrest the fleeing hoodlums and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the police stated.

The statement further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ayodeji Faniyan, visited the community on Monday for an on-the-spot assessment and met with community leaders, political representatives, youth leaders, women representatives and other residents.

During the visit, Faniyan called for greater collaboration with youths and community members to strengthen local security and improve intelligence gathering. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious.

“On behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the entire Nigeria Police Force, the CP expressed his heartfelt condolences to the leadership and members of the community over the tragic loss of lives and assured the residents of the Command’s commitment to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” the statement said.