Unknown gunmen have reportedly killed six members of the Dakinban family during an early morning attack in Tibiu village in Mangu LGA, Plateau state.

Plateau state police spokesman, DSP Emmanuel Abuh, confirmed the massacre and assured that police are intensifying security in the north central region. Security agents are on the hunt for the culprits, while some have been deployed to ward off reprisal attacks.

One of the villagers, recounting the gruesome attack to the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. John Clark Dabwan, explained that the killings happened at about 3:30 a.m. on Friday morning.

The assailants, who invaded the village, shooting sporadically and striking fear and panic amongst villagers, are suspected to be Fulani herdsmen. Only four members of the Dakinban family escaped with their lives; they however, sustained serious injuries.

The House Speaker, during his condolence visit, described the attack as barbaric and ungodly. Dabwan called it a setback to the peace process in the nation, especially in the restive region which is becoming increasingly prone to ethnic clashes.