In Plateau State,Terrorists Kill Family of Five

Tragedy struck Lighitlubang village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on Friday night as suspected terrorists launched a brutal attack, killing five people, including a family of three. The victims, identified as a husband, wife, and their child, were reportedly attacked in their sleep. Another couple was also killed in the gruesome assault.

A local resident, Moses Bankat, confirmed the attack, stating that it occurred around midnight on January 31, 2025. “Some suspected Fulani terrorists entered Lighitlubang village in Bungha District of plateau state and slaughtered a family of three—a man, his wife, and child—along with another man and his wife,” he said. The attack has left the community in deep shock, with many residents fearing for their safety amid escalating violence in the region.

Rising Insecurity in Plateau State

The latest attack in Lighitlubang adds to the growing insecurity in Plateau State, where communities have repeatedly suffered from terrorist incursions. Over the past few years, Plateau state has witnessed a series of violent attacks, often linked to long-standing ethnic and religious tensions. Local farmers and pastoralist groups have frequently clashed, with reports of armed groups targeting rural villages.

Residents have expressed frustration over the failure of security forces to curb the violence despite repeated attacks. The Nigerian government has deployed security operatives to the Plateau state in previous instances, but many believe that the response has been inadequate. The recurring violence has forced many villagers to flee their homes, leaving behind their farmlands and livelihoods in search of safety.

Security Forces Respond, Investigation Underway

Following the deadly attack, the Plateau State Police Command confirmed that security operatives had been deployed to the affected community. Police spokesperson Alabo Alfred stated that officers were working to restore calm and prevent further violence. “I will get details from the DPO when they return from the bush because they have gone there,” Alfred said, emphasizing that an investigation had begun.

While security forces are on high alert, locals remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these interventions. Many communities have urged the government to adopt more proactive measures, such as improving intelligence gathering and increasing military presence in volatile areas. As the investigation continues, residents are calling for justice for the slain victims and greater efforts to prevent future attacks.

Calls for Plateau and Federal Government Action and Community Protection

The latest attack has reignited calls for the Nigerian government to take decisive action against terrorism in the country’s Middle Belt region. Human rights activists and community leaders have urged authorities to strengthen security measures and hold perpetrators accountable. Many believe that without swift intervention, the cycle of violence will persist, leading to more loss of innocent lives.

Beyond security reinforcements, experts have advocated for long-term solutions, including peace dialogues between warring factions and socio-economic support for affected communities. The Lighitlubang attack serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of insecurity in Plateau State and beyond. Residents hope that justice will be served and that their community will be protected from further bloodshed