Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen and cattle rustlers have attacked Gwom Gada community in Kadunu Ward, Gindiri district of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, killing four siblings and injuring two other residents.

The attack, which occurred on Friday, also resulted in the theft of an unspecified number of cattle belonging to a local resident, Alhaji Tanko Adamu.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Mwolpun, said the assailants stormed the community heavily armed, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents. Tragically, four siblings aged 18, 7, 5 and 2 were caught in the attack and lost their lives, while two neighbours sustained critical injuries.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Director of Press, Jerry Dakahap, the council chairman described the attack as cruel, inhumane and unacceptable.

Hon. Mwolpun, who visited the community on Sunday to commiserate with the bereaved family and affected residents, assured them that security agencies had been directed to track down the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.

“We are deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence. We stand in solidarity with the victims and the entire community, and we will do everything possible to prevent a recurrence,” the statement quoted him as saying.

The chairman also ordered increased security presence in the area to deter further attacks, noting that the community remains traumatized by the incident and has called for stronger protection measures.

Also speaking during the visit, the Mangu Sector Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Colonel Fagbemi, assured residents that additional security personnel would be deployed immediately to safeguard lives and property.