Tears in Plateau: Thirteen Killed in Fresh Barkin Ladi Attacks

Thirteen villagers have been confirmed dead following coordinated attacks on Rachas village in Heipang District and Rawuru village in Fan District, both in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The assaults, which took place late Tuesday night, have plunged the affected communities into mourning.

Chairman of the council, Stephen Pwajok, described the attacks as “unprovoked and deeply regrettable.” Speaking during the mass burial of the victims in Rachas, he condoled with grieving families and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to restore lasting peace to the troubled region.

The District Head of Heipang, Da Paul Tadi-Tok, condemned the continuous targeting of innocent residents and urged security agencies to act decisively. He also called for restrictions on herders grazing in areas where Fulani are not indigenous, stressing that such policies could help reduce infiltration by violent attackers posing as herders.

The traditional ruler further appealed for the revitalization of Operation Rainbow—the state’s community security outfit—to ensure faster responses to distress calls in remote areas.

Brigadier General Gakji Shipi (rtd.), Security Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, confirmed that recruitment for new personnel was underway. He assured that recruits would be trained and equipped to complement security agencies in curbing attacks.

The President of the Berom Youth Movement (BYM) also decried the killings, dismissing recurring claims that cattle rustling triggered the violence. He insisted that no excuse could justify the slaughter of innocent villagers.

The renewed bloodshed in Barkin Ladi underscores the persistent security challenges in Plateau’s rural communities, where residents continue to plead for stronger and impartial protection from the authorities.