Plateau Youths Blocks Highway In Protest Over Renewed Gunmen Killings

Youths in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday blocked the highway leading to Jos in protest over the killing of 10 residents by gunmen.

The youths, joined by women and other members of the community, refused to reopen the road despite appeals from authorities.

They insisted they would remain there until those responsible are arrested and brought to justice.

According to reports, 10 people were killed during the attacks which started on Sunday evening.

Seven people were first attacked and killed at Ratatis in Dorowa Babuje, Barkin Ladi, while three others were badly injured.

On Monday morning, two more bodies were found in Dorowa Babuje.

Another person was also shot dead in Jol, in Riyom Local Government Area.

Speaking to Punch, Rwang Tengwong, a leader of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, blamed the attack on terrorists.

“Yesterday evening, seven persons were brutally killed following an attack by armed Fulani Terrorists at Ratatis, Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area,” he said.

“The attack occurred at about 7:27 pm, leaving three others seriously injured. This morning, two more dead bodies of community members were recovered from Dorowa Babuje, while another person was shot dead in Jol, Riyom local government council of the state.”

One of the protesters, Samson Godiya, said the community is angry and tired of repeated attacks.

He accused Fulani herdsmen of carrying out the killings and questioned why the violence has continued without being stopped.

“We have suffered as a community for too long in the hands of these attackers whom we know to be Fulani herdsmen. For how long shall we continue to be killed without anything being done to stop them. We cannot continue like this,” he said.

“We are tired of promises by the government and security agents to protect us. If they cannot live up to their promises, they should leave us alone.

”A situation where the security people will be there and at the same time, cannot stop the killers from having their way is what we cannot understand.”

The protest caused heavy traffic, stopping vehicles coming from Shendam and Langtang on their way to Jos, as well as those traveling from Jos to other areas.

Efforts to reach Alfred Alabo, spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, were unsuccessful at the time tof filing this report.

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