Tension has escalated in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State following a fresh wave of violence that left several persons dead and sparked retaliatory attacks across the area.
Berom youths in the locality have issued a stern warning to government and security agencies, declaring they “cannot guarantee peace and safety on the Plateau if Fulani continue grazing on our land.”
The warning came after seven persons were killed on February 22 in Dorowa Babuje village when gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits reportedly opened fire on residents at a local relaxation spot.
Security sources disclosed that troops of Sector 4 under Operation Safe Haven responded to a distress call at about 7:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered seven persons dead and two others critically injured.
The corpses were evacuated to Barkin Ladi General Hospital mortuary, while the injured victims were rushed to the same facility for medical attention. Troops subsequently launched aggressive patrols across Dorowa Babuje, Dong and Lugere communities to forestall further attacks and track down the assailants.
However, hours after news of the killings spread, another violent incident occurred along the Nding axis of Barkin Ladi LGA. Security sources confirmed that some youths suspected to be local indigenes mounted a roadblock and intercepted a passenger Opel Vectra conveying civilians.
Four persons were reportedly selected and killed on the spot, while a fifth later died from injuries sustained during the attack. Two of the victims were identified as Hausa indigenes of Jos North, a development that heightened tension in parts of the Jos metropolis, including Terminus and Gangare areas.
The retaliatory attack prompted swift deployment of security personnel to flashpoints across Barkin Ladi and adjoining districts. Joint patrols and stop-and-search operations were intensified along major roads to contain the situation.
Despite the presence of security operatives, protesting youths barricaded roads for several hours and addressed government officials who visited the area.
In a series of emotionally charged remarks, a representative of the Berom youths alleged systematic attacks by Fulani militias and accused them of manipulating narratives to justify violence.
“This is another round of terrorism and we want the security to have it on record that our lives are not to be killed by the so-called Fulani,” the youth leader said.
He further alleged that herders sometimes frame incidents to justify reprisals, claiming reports of poisoned livestock or attacks are used to rationalise subsequent violence.
Issuing a direct warning to authorities, the youth leader said if suspected attackers are not designated as terrorists and grazing activities are not halted, the community may resist further arrests.
“We stand to defend our land. We stand to defend our lives and our heritage is not to be shared,” he said, adding that the community felt pushed to the wall.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have maintained heightened surveillance in the affected communities, while residents remain on edge amid fears of further escalation. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement detailing arrests or confirming the identities of the attackers.
