ABUJA, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people were killed in separate attacks by unidentified gunmen in several local communities in Nigeria's central Plateau State, local media reported Sunday.
The attacks have heightened tensions in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighboring communities, after gunmen carried out attacks between Saturday night and Sunday morning, the Leadership Newspaper, a national daily, reported, citing several local sources.
A bus in transit was attacked in Barkin Ladi on Saturday night, leaving five people dead, said Bulus Dabit, national president of the Mwaghavul Development Association, a community development association in the Barkin Ladi area, adding that four others were killed while on their way to church early Sunday.
Ukasha Garaba, a youth leader in the area who assisted in evacuating the bodies of the victims, identified the deceased as laborers traveling to work in another town in the state.
The killings have heightened tensions in the affected areas, with some residents fleeing their communities while others stayed behind to resist further attacks.
Gambo Abubakar, secretary of the Barkin Ladi branch of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, told local media that some cattle had allegedly been stolen by residents, suggesting that the attacks may be linked to the missing animals.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks so far.
Plateau State is located in Nigeria's Middle Belt, which links the country's predominantly Muslim north and predominantly Christian south. The state has experienced recurring violence in recent years, often involving disputes over land and resources between different communities. ■