Gunmen have carried out another deadly attack in central Nigeria, killing at least seven people during a late-night assault on a rural settlement in Plateau State, a region in Nigeria’s North Central geopolitical zone that has experienced repeated cycles of communal violence in recent years. The incident occurred on Friday night, 2 January 2026, in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area, one of the administrative councils in Plateau State.
According to local accounts, the attack took place in Bong village, located in Doemak District of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area, Plateau State. Residents said the assailants stormed the community under the cover of darkness and moved from house to house, targeting vulnerable residents who were unable to flee in time.
Okay News reports that eyewitnesses in Jos, the capital city of Plateau State in north central Nigeria, said the attackers were heavily armed and appeared well coordinated as they carried out the assault. Survivors said many of the victims were women, children, and elderly residents who could not escape when the gunmen arrived.
A native of the affected local government area, Mr Lawrence Dogari, confirmed the fatalities while speaking on the situation. He said, “For now, I can confirm to you that over seven persons have been killed, while some persons are still missing.”
The confirmation was also echoed by the Director of Press and Publicity to the Executive Chairman of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, Danaan Cletus Sylvanus, who said the full extent of the casualties was still being assessed. He explained that authorities were still gathering information from the affected community and surrounding areas.
Sylvanus further disclosed that the Executive Chairman of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, Honourable Christopher Audu Manship, had strongly condemned the attack. “The council boss, Hon. Christopher Audu Manship, is condemning the attack on innocent persons and is collaborating with security operatives to ensure that the culprits are arrested,” he said, adding that residents would be kept informed as investigations continue.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful. The spokesperson for the command, Alabo Alfred, did not respond to multiple calls placed to his mobile phone as of the time of filing this report.
The Friday night killings represent the latest episode in a string of violent attacks affecting rural communities across Plateau State. On Wednesday night, 24 December 2025, commonly referred to as Christmas Eve, gunmen also attacked the Bum community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing seven people in a similar assault.
Security analysts and community leaders have continued to call for stronger protection of rural settlements, warning that recurring attacks are deepening fear, displacement, and humanitarian challenges in the region.
