Tragedy has struck once again in Plateau State as fresh violence claimed six lives in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Among the dead are a woman and her six-month-old baby, according to a statement issued by the National leadership of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM).
BYM President Dalyop Mwantiri and Secretary-General Bature Adazaram confirmed the deadly incidents in a joint statement released in Jos.
They disclosed that the attacks occurred in two separate episodes, leaving several others wounded and receiving treatment in a local hospital.
“The National leadership of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM) is deeply saddened by yet another tragic armed attack, allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani militants,” the statement read.
The group detailed the first incident, which occurred on the night of May 4, 2025, at approximately 8:11 pm, when attackers stormed Kakuruk village in the Gashish District of Barkin Ladi.
The assailants, armed with guns and machetes, killed three people and injured four others.
This assault followed another deadly episode the previous night.
“This follows the killing of another three individuals ambushed and shot dead on the night of May 3rd around the NTV area of Barkin Ladi LGA,” the youth leaders stated.
A visit to the General Hospital in Barkin Ladi confirmed the identities of those killed in the May 4 attack: Nyam Davou (44), Mrs. Kande Thoma (40), and her 6-month-old baby.
The injured survivors include Abigail Nyam (7), Helen Ishaya (45), Mafeng Markus (29), and Sarah Markus (40).
“The frequency and brazenness of these attacks are not only disturbing but also alarming,” the BYM said, expressing concern over the security situation in the area.
According to the group, warnings about unusual movements and an influx of suspicious individuals, allegedly militants posing as herders, had earlier been conveyed to authorities.
“Early warnings regarding suspicious movements and the influx of suspected militants, posing as herders, had been communicated to relevant authorities,” they emphasized.
The BYM further condemned the inadequate security deployment in vulnerable communities, noting it leaves residents continually at risk.
“The persistent inadequacy of security presence in vulnerable communities continues to leave residents exposed, as seen in this recent assault,” they said.
The association also recalled earlier tragedies in the area, citing mass killings in Gashish on August 23, 2018, and on Christmas Eve in 2023.
“This latest attack is a devastating blow to the few returnees of Gashish who are still recovering from previous massacres, particularly the genocidal attacks of August 23, 2018, and Christmas Eve 2023, which claimed over 230 lives,” the group stated.
Raising concerns over a rising presence of unfamiliar individuals in Plateau, the BYM urged authorities to take swift action.
“There is an influx of strange people into the state,” they warned, calling on security agencies to thoroughly investigate and respond.
