Grief, Anger as Communities Bury Victims Amid Renewed Violence in Plateau
By Rwang Tengwong, KT FM News, Barkin Ladi
Fresh violence has erupted in Plateau State as 13 people were killed in separate attacks on Rachas village in Heipang District and Rawuru village in Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area late Tuesday night.
Confirming the incident, the Executive Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council, Hon. Stephen Gyang Pwajok, described the attacks as “unprovoked, senseless, and deeply regrettable.”
Speaking during the mass burial of the victims at Rachas village, Pwajok expressed sympathy to the grieving families and condemned the renewed killings, saying the government remains committed to restoring peace and ensuring justice for the victims.
> “This is a painful setback to our peace efforts. We will continue to work closely with security agencies and local communities to bring the perpetrators to book,” he said.
The District Head of Heipang, Da Paul Tadi-Tok, lamented the continued killings of innocent villagers, urging authorities to restrict herders from grazing in communities where Fulani are not resident. He said such measures would help reduce friction and prevent infiltration by armed attackers posing as herders.
The traditional ruler also called for the revival and strengthening of Operation Rainbow, the state’s community security outfit, to ensure faster response to distress situations in rural areas.
The Security Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, Brigadier General Shippi Gakji Goshwe (Rtd.), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening community-based security operations.
He said Operation Rainbow is currently undergoing a recruitment and re-equipment process, adding that new personnel would soon be deployed to support security agencies in curbing the recurring attacks.
The President of the Berom Youth Movement (BYM) also condemned the killings, describing them as “wicked and unjustifiable.” He urged security operatives to end the recurring excuse of cattle rustling as justification for attacks on innocent residents.
> “Our people are being killed over flimsy excuses. The government must rise above politics and protect lives,” he said.
The fresh attacks have once again thrown Barkin Ladi into mourning and renewed calls for decisive and impartial security action to halt the persistent killings in Plateau’s rural communities.
For many residents, the latest tragedy is a painful reminder that peace on the Plateau remains fragile—and justice, still elusive.
PIONEER NEWS 