A fresh wave of attacks across communities in Plateau State has resulted in the deaths of at least seven people, including two miners, and the destruction of over 20 hectares of farmland within 48 hours. The violence, which spread across Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Gashish areas, has raised concerns over the security of rural communities and the safety of farmers and miners.
According to the Berom Youth Moulders Association, the attacks began on September 23, when two miners, Phillip Luka and Sunday John, were killed at a mining site in Kworos Gangare, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. On the same day, farmlands in several areas, including Jol, Riyom, Exland, Gashish, Rapwomol, and Dorowa Babuje, were destroyed, with the affected farms estimated at over 20 hectares.
The violence escalated on September 24, with two people killed at Nghar, Exland, in Gashish District, and three others allegedly killed at Gassa, Barkin Ladi. The victims at Gassa were identified as Ishaya Pam Dung, Barnabas Gyang Jack, and Manasseh Luka Mushwer. The attacks occurred despite a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew in place in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu Local Government Areas.
The Berom Youth Moulders Association expressed alarm that the attacks occurred despite the curfew, questioning the effectiveness of current security arrangements. The group called for an immediate shift from reactive security operations to intelligence-led action capable of identifying and dismantling alleged criminal hideouts and operational enclaves.
The association specifically urged security agencies to investigate locations around Fass, Mahanga, the Fulani settlement at Bangai, and Lugere, among other areas identified through intelligence. The group warned that continued attacks on agricultural communities could worsen food insecurity and deepen poverty among already vulnerable families.
Beyond the killings, the destruction of farms has emerged as a major concern, with the BYM urging the government to urgently assess the affected farmlands and provide meaningful support to farmers whose crops and sources of income have been destroyed. The association also called on the National Assembly, National Human Rights Commission, humanitarian agencies, and international organisations to monitor the security and humanitarian situation in Plateau and support efforts to protect civilians.
The BYM demanded urgent and sustained coordinated action to secure communities, dismantle criminal networks, protect civilians, and restore public confidence across the state. However, the reported killings, casualties, and extent of farmland destruction had not been independently confirmed by security authorities as of the time of filing this report.
Key points
- 7 people killed in 48 hours
- 20 hectares of farmland destroyed
- Attacks occurred despite 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew in place
