Tension has heightened in parts of Plateau State following fresh violence that left several people dead in separate incidents in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
Four travellers were reportedly killed when youths blocked a road along the Nding axis and attacked occupants of a passenger vehicle, hours after an earlier assault in Dorowa Babuje village where gunmen killed seven residents.
Security sources told Nigerian Military Gallery that the road attack occurred when a passenger Opel Vectra conveying civilians was intercepted at a makeshift blockade mounted by suspected local youths. The attackers allegedly singled out some occupants and killed four on the spot.
Authorities later confirmed that five bodies were conveyed to Jos North, suggesting one of the victims may have died from injuries sustained during the assault.
Two of the deceased were said to be natives of Jos North, a development that has raised concerns among residents, particularly in areas of the metropolis where fears of retaliatory violence are growing.
Security sources believe the Nding road attack may have been a reprisal following reports of the earlier killings in Dorowa Babuje, where gunmen opened fire at a gathering, leaving seven people dead and two others injured.
The incidents come amid a series of recent attacks across Barkin Ladi and neighbouring districts, further deepening anxieties about the fragile security situation in the area.
Security agencies said additional personnel have been deployed to flashpoints across Barkin Ladi and adjoining areas, including parts of Riyom, to prevent further escalation.
Officials added that joint patrols and stop-and-search operations have been intensified along major routes to track suspects and restore calm.
Authorities have warned residents against reprisals or mob actions, stressing that such responses could worsen the crisis, while community leaders have urged youths to remain calm and allow security agencies to conduct investigations.