The United States has commended the Nigerian federal government's response to recent attacks in the Middle Belt region, while urging authorities to sustain efforts to protect communities in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. This commendation was made by the US Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs on Tuesday. The statement comes amid renewed violence and retaliatory attacks in parts of Plateau State.
The US Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs stated that the United States commends Nigeria's strong response to the latest attacks from Fulani militant groups. The bureau added that it will continue to work with the Nigerian government to protect Christians in the Middle Belt. This commitment to collaboration underscores the US government's concern for the security situation in Nigeria's Middle Belt.
The US government further urged Nigeria to sustain its security efforts, particularly in Barkin Ladi. The statement emphasized the importance of defending the Barkin Ladi communities in particular. This urging comes as the region experiences a renewed cycle of attacks and reprisals, with several people killed in recent weeks. The attacks have heightened concerns over the security of residents, farmers, miners, and other communities in the affected areas.
On September 26, at least five people were killed and two others injured when gunmen attacked a mining site in Marit village, Barkin Ladi. Some reports put the death toll at six. Security sources confirmed that troops of Operation Enduring Peace responded to the incident and evacuated the injured victims for medical treatment. The attack occurred despite the Plateau State Government's efforts to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu Local Government Areas.
The Plateau State Government had imposed a curfew on the affected areas following a series of attacks, attempted attacks, and reprisals. Under the restriction, residents were directed to remain indoors between 6 pm and 6 am until further notice. The curfew aimed to mitigate the violence and prevent further attacks. However, the latest incidents have raised fears of further reprisals, with security forces deploying troops and increasing patrols across affected communities.
Earlier in September, at least five Fulani men were reportedly killed after suspected Berom militias attacked their vehicle in Barkin Ladi. The victims were said to have been traveling to a market in Jos South when their vehicle came under attack near a security checkpoint. Another attack on September 10 left two people dead after suspected armed militia attacked Fulani herders along the Jong-Nyeriwei road and in Dorowa Babuje community.
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Maj.-Gen. W.M. Dangana, held a stakeholders' meeting in Barkin Ladi following the latest killings. The meeting aimed to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence. The US' latest statement signals continued attention to the security situation in Nigeria's Middle Belt, particularly the protection of vulnerable communities and efforts to prevent the cycle of attacks and reprisals from escalating.
Key points
- The US commends Nigeria's response to Middle Belt attacks and urges sustained protection of Plateau communities.
- Recent attacks in Barkin Ladi have resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.
- The Nigerian government has deployed troops and increased patrols to mitigate the violence.
