At least five people, including a Christian cleric, were killed in a fresh wave of coordinated attacks on communities in Plateau State, with several others injured and homes reportedly set ablaze.

The attacks, which occurred on the night of Friday, August 28, 2026, were reported across parts of Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas, heightening concerns over renewed insecurity in the state.

According to conflict journalist Masara Kim Usman, suspected Fulani militia first ambushed travellers along the Barkin Ladi-Bokkos road, where two pastors were abducted.

The victims were identified as Pastor Hills Emmanuel, a Ghanaian-Nigerian cleric based in Bokkos, and Pastor Gabriel Joseph Dipak of Christ Apostolic Church.

Emmanuel, a former Dunamis Church pastor and founder of The Wonderful Grace of God Evangelical Ministry in Bokkos, was reportedly travelling from Jos to Bokkos after attending a programme when the attackers stopped a commercial minivan carrying nine passengers.

Usman said the assailants dragged the two pastors from the vehicle and seized the phones and cash of the other passengers before releasing them.

Emmanuel’s body was reportedly discovered early Saturday morning, August 29, close to the location of the abduction, while Dipak remained in captivity.

The journalist said the abductors later contacted Dipak’s family, although their demands had not been established as of the time of his report.

The attacks reportedly spread to other communities later that night.

A woman was killed in Fang village in Bachi District of Riyom Local Government Area, while two people were reportedly killed in Radura village, Fann District, Barkin Ladi.

Another person was injured in Chakfem village, Mangu Local Government Area.

Usman described the incidents as five separate attacks carried out within the same night, alleging that witnesses identified the attackers as Fulani militants.

The latest violence has renewed concerns over attacks on rural communities in Plateau and the wider Middle Belt, where clashes, killings and abductions have continued to pose security challenges.

Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered the immediate cessation of activities by a group operating under the name “HISBA” in parts of Jos North Local Government Area.

The governor described the group’s operations as “illegal, unauthorised and unacceptable,” following allegations that its members had been intimidating and harassing residents, extorting money and imposing rules without lawful authority.

Mutfwang also directed security agencies to identify and investigate those allegedly involved in the group’s activities and arrest anyone found to have committed criminal offences.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere.