Gunmen Kill Pregnant Woman and Husband in Fresh Barkin Ladi Attack

Gunmen have killed a young couple — Iliya Gyang, 30, and his pregnant wife, Grace, 25 — in an attack at Angwan Ishaku community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The assault happened Wednesday evening, deepening alarm over the state’s security situation despite recent government interventions.

A resident, Kacholom Ayuba, said the attack took place around 5:30 p.m. The Berom Youth Moulders Association, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary Rwang Tengwong, said the gunmen arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire on the couple, then fled through a route toward settlements in Fass along the Rakung-Sho road.

Orphaned twins left behind

Mr. Gyang was shot while working on his farm near his home. Grace was killed at the scene. Both were confirmed dead after being rushed to hospital. They leave behind one-year-old twin boys.

The association condemned the killings as “barbaric, wicked, and inhumane” and called for intensified security operations in affected communities. It also appealed to the Plateau State Government to support the orphaned twins.

Attack follows governor’s visit

The killings happened barely two days after Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited Barkin Ladi LGA and held a town hall on security. It also came a day after a State Security Council meeting announced new measures to tackle the persistent violence hitting Plateau communities.

“The latest attack showed that perpetrators of violence are still bent on destabilising peace efforts in the state despite ongoing interventions by government and security agencies,” the Berom Youth Moulders Association said.

The attack adds to a grim week on the Plateau. Earlier this month, at least 50 people were killed in separate attacks across the state, prompting President Tinubu to warn he would use the full powers of his office against those behind the violence.

Sources: Leadership, Vanguard, Guardian