The United States government has pledged to continue working with Nigerian authorities to protect Christian communities in the Middle Belt region. This commitment comes amid renewed violence in Plateau State, where residents have faced attacks, killings, and displacement in recent days. The US Bureau of African Affairs commended Nigeria's strong response to the latest attacks from Fulani militant groups and urged the Nigerian government to sustain its security response.
The latest violence occurred between Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, with reports of killings in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and surrounding communities. At least nine people were reported killed during the latest incidents. Five of the victims were passengers traveling towards Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area when they were ambushed. The victims were reportedly laborers traveling to the area when gunmen attacked them.
The Pyem Youth Leader in Gana-Ropp, Ukasha Garaba, confirmed that the bodies of five victims had been recovered from the area. The attack was followed by another incident in Dorowa Babuje, also in Barkin Ladi, where two people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed while traveling to church. The incident caused fresh tension in the community and surrounding areas, with residents reporting continued gunfire around the Kantoma axis.
Women and children were reportedly moved to safer locations as residents feared further attacks. A community member, Lawrence Shong, said that as of 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, they were still hearing sounds of gunshots. The spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, called for a stronger and sustained security presence in the affected communities, stating that military personnel had been drafted to the community.
The fresh incidents were not restricted to Barkin Ladi, as a woman was reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area on Saturday night, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in the Fan District. Several cattle were also reportedly killed or stolen around Dorowa Maranba and the Kantoma axis. Gambo Abubakar, Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Barkin Ladi, confirmed the reports of cattle being stolen.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has repeatedly maintained that his administration is working with security agencies to confront those responsible for attacks and protect residents. Following the latest killings, the governor said he remained committed to protecting the people of the state, stating that he cannot abandon his responsibility of securing the people of Plateau State.
In a related development, the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria warned against attributing the killing of Deputy Commander of Operation Rainbow, CSP Dennis David Babale, to Fulani people without credible evidence. Babale was reportedly ambushed by gunmen while traveling along the Bokkos-Barkin Ladi road on September 22, and later died from injuries sustained during the attack.
Key points
- The US government has pledged to support Nigeria's efforts to tackle renewed violence in Plateau State.
- At least nine people were reported killed during the latest incidents of violence in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and surrounding communities.
- Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has reiterated his commitment to protecting the people of the state from violence.
