Tragedy struck the Nkiendowro community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State on Wednesday when gunmen ambushed and killed four individuals, including a nine-month-old baby. The victims were returning from their tomato farms when they were brutally attacked, leaving the community in mourning and raising fresh concerns about insecurity in the region.
According to eyewitness accounts and local leaders, the victims—two women, one man, and the infant—had just harvested tomatoes from their farms and were transporting the produce to the Farin-Gada market in Jos, a common agricultural route for local farmers. Their journey, however, was cut short near a bridge close to the Tegbe-Nkiendowro area, where the gunmen opened fire on them, killing the four on the spot and leaving two others injured.
The attack has sparked renewed outrage among residents and community groups, who lament the increasing frequency of violence in the area and the apparent lack of accountability or justice for victims.
Gunmen Kill Four, Including Infant, in Plateau State Tomato Farm Ambush
Joseph Chudu, the spokesman for the Miango Youths Development Association, confirmed the incident in a statement to PUNCH Metro on Thursday. Chudu expressed deep frustration over what he described as a deteriorating security situation in Bassa and other parts of Plateau State. He called on both the state and federal governments to urgently intervene and bring an end to what he termed “a reign of terror” on innocent civilians.
“I honestly do not understand the type of democracy we are practicing in this country anymore,” Chudu said, visibly distraught. “Every day, we hear of killings, and yet nothing is being done to stop them. The perpetrators are never arrested or prosecuted, and this sends a message that human life is no longer valued.”
According to Chudu, the four victims were from the Nkiendowro community and had embarked on a routine trip to their farms early in the morning. After harvesting and loading baskets of tomatoes into their vehicle, they set out on their return trip when they were ambushed. The gunmen reportedly shot indiscriminately at the vehicle, killing the adult occupants and the infant instantly. The two survivors, who sustained gunshot wounds, were rushed to a nearby hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.
“The victims were just farmers—ordinary people trying to make a living,” Chudu continued. “They were not involved in any conflict or criminal activity. Their only ‘crime’ was going to their farm. The attack happened close to a bridge that connects Tegbe and Nkiendowro. That’s where they were ambushed and slaughtered. Even a baby wasn’t spared.”
The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at a local mortuary, while the two injured individuals are said to be in stable condition, according to local health workers. Community members have since gathered to mourn the loss, organizing vigils and prayer sessions in honor of the victims.
This incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks that have plagued Plateau State, particularly in rural farming communities. In recent weeks, several communities have reported similar attacks, often with multiple fatalities and little to no arrests made by law enforcement agencies.
“The killings have become too much for us to bear,” Chudu added. “We have reported the matter to the security agencies, but we are yet to see any meaningful action. How much longer can we live like this? People are being killed almost weekly, and there seems to be no end in sight.”
Efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Command for a response proved unsuccessful. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred, was reportedly unavailable for comment, as his mobile line remained switched off as of the time this report was filed. The lack of official police communication has further aggravated tensions in the community, with many residents questioning whether their plight is being taken seriously by authorities.
Meanwhile, civil society organizations and human rights advocates have renewed their call on both the federal and state governments to deploy more security personnel to troubled areas and launch a comprehensive investigation into the rising spate of violence. They argue that only justice and accountability can stem the tide of bloodshed and restore peace to affected communities.
As the Nkiendowro community reels from the latest attack, residents are left with a growing sense of fear, uncertainty, and helplessness. Many are now calling for urgent intervention before the violence consumes even more lives.
