At least six people were killed in a fresh attack by gunmen in Marit village and the Gashish District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, sparking outrage and renewed calls for improved security.
The attack, which occurred on the evening of May 4, 2025, at around 8:11 pm in Kakuruk village, Gashish District, was confirmed by the National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Solomon Dalyop.
According to Dalyop, the victims include Mr. Nyam Davou, aged 44, Mrs. Kande Thoma, aged 40, and her six-month-old baby.
He added that four others—among them a seven-year-old girl and three women—were seriously injured in the attack.
“It should be on record that these ongoing dastardly acts by suspected bandits, often disguised as herders, are not entirely surprising but extremely disturbing,” Dalyop said. “Early warnings and intelligence regarding the influx of armed elements into vulnerable areas were communicated to appropriate authorities. Yet, due to inadequate security presence, these attackers continue to target defenceless communities, sparing no one—not even women and children.”
Efforts to reach Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred, for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off at the time of reporting.
In a statement issued by BYM Secretary General, Bature Adazaram, the association condemned the attack and alleged that Fulani militants were behind the killings.
The group said it believeas the attacks are part of a broader campaign to intimidate residents and seize ancestral lands.
BYM called on security agencies to adopt a more aggressive and proactive stance in addressing threats in crisis-prone areas. It also urged authorities to track down and prosecute the perpetrators.
“The BYM calls on Operation Safe Haven, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, and other relevant agencies to urgently deploy more kinetic responses to neutralise looming threats in vulnerable communities,” the statement read. “We also urge the prosecution of individuals previously arrested for killings and arms trafficking to proceed transparently and without bias.”
The group, however, passed a vote of confidence in the efforts of security forces, particularly Operation Safe Haven, the police, and the DSS, acknowledging their role in saving lives.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council, Stephen Gyang, strongly condemned the attack, which he described as a dangerous resurgence of violence in the area.
During a visit to victims at Barkin Ladi General Hospital, Pwajok expressed sadness and disappointment over the attack, especially at a time when the local government was making concerted efforts to promote peace and stability.
He urged medical personnel to provide prompt treatment to survivors and called on security agencies to step up efforts to prevent further bloodshed.
“The cycle of violence must be broken,” Pwajok said. “We urge all stakeholders—security forces, community leaders, and residents—to work together to ensure peace returns to Barkin Ladi.”
At the burial of three victims in Kakuruk, Gashish District, the council chairman, represented by the council secretary, Joshua Chong, extended condolences and reiterated calls for justice.
He prayed for comfort for the grieving families and for divine intervention in restoring peace to the region.
Similarly, the traditional ruler of Gashish, Gwom Rwei Da Prof. Nuhu Gwom Gwok, expressed deep concern over the renewed killings and urged security operatives to act swiftly and decisively.
Our correspondent reports that the attacks have heightened fears among residents, many of whom are increasingly anxious about their safety in the face of rising insecurity across Plateau State.
The BYM has also warned of intelligence reports suggesting that more armed groups are being mobilised into the state to carry out further attacks, raising alarm over the potential for escalating violence.