7 Killed, Farmlands Destroyed In Fresh Plateau Attacks Despite Curfew
At least seven people, including two miners, have been reportedly killed in separate attacks across Plateau State in two days, while more than 20 hectares of farmlands were destroyed in four communities.
This was disclosed by the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, who said the fresh killings have left families grieving and communities living in fear.
According to BYM, 25-year-old Phillip Luka and 34-year-old Sunday John were killed on September 23 at a mining site in Kworos Gangare, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The same day, farmlands in Jol in Riyom LGA, Exland in Gashish, Rapwomol and Dorowa Babuje were destroyed, threatening food security and livelihoods.
On September 24, two persons were killed at Nghar, Exland in Gashish District, while three others — Ishaya Pam Dung, 47, a father of two; Barnabas Gyang Jack, 23, a father of one; and 26-year-old Manasseh Luka Mushwer — were killed at Gassa, Barkin Ladi.
This brings the total death toll to seven.
The group expressed concern that the attacks happened despite the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew imposed in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs, questioning the effectiveness of current security measures.
BYM called on security agencies to move beyond post-attack responses and launch credible intelligence operations to dismantle alleged criminal hideouts around Fass, Mahanga, Fulani settlement at Bangai, Lugere and other locations earlier identified.
The youth group also urged the government to treat the destruction of farmlands as a national food security threat and provide urgent support for affected families.
It further appealed to the National Assembly, National Human Rights Commission, humanitarian agencies and international organisations to monitor the security and humanitarian situation in Plateau State.
“Plateau communities have endured enough bloodshed. Citizens have a right to live in their homes, travel freely, farm their lands, conduct legitimate businesses and bury their loved ones without fear. Every life lost leaves a family devastated,” the statement read.
The casualties and farmland destruction are yet to be independently confirmed by security authorities.
