BARKIN LADI, PLATEAU —
Survivors of a deadly roadside ambush in Barkin Ladi have recounted chilling details of how suspected militias intercepted a commercial vehicle, dragged out traders, executed them, and set their bodies ablaze.
The attack, which has heightened tensions across Plateau State, reportedly occurred along the Nding axis on Tuesday as the victims were traveling for business.
According to eyewitness accounts obtained by SUNTV Global Channel, the victims — young Hausa traders from the Gangare community in Jos North — were heading toward Pankshin to purchase goods when their vehicle was suddenly blocked by armed men.
One survivor, Abdulazeez Ibrahim, described how the assailants stopped the vehicle and began questioning passengers about their identities.
He said tensions escalated after the attackers accused them of belonging to a rival group.
“Before we understood what was happening, they opened fire into the vehicle. They then dragged some passengers out and continued shooting,” he recounted.
Amid the chaos, the driver reportedly sped away with some passengers who had been wounded, allowing them to escape into nearby farmland.
After contacting relatives and security operatives, survivors returned to the scene alongside troops. What they found was devastating.
The bodies of the victims had been mutilated — some with slit throats — and burned.
“They slaughtered them like animals and set them on fire,” Ibrahim said.
Those killed were identified as Uwaisu Jibrin (24), Zakari, Shamsu, and Zubairu — all young traders supporting families.
Survivors said the victims dealt in shoemaking materials, soap, kola nuts, and local seasonings.
“Every one of them had dependents. Some left behind children, others elderly parents who relied entirely on them,” Ibrahim added.
Rising Tensions and Fear
The incident occurred just hours after another deadly attack in a nearby community, reportedly carried out by suspected armed bandits, further deepening fears of escalating reprisals.
Residents say anxiety is spreading across communities long affected by cycles of ethnic and communal violence.
As of press time, security authorities had yet to release an official statement on the killings.
