Seven Reportedly Killed as Plateau Attacks Destroy Farmland

At least seven people, including two miners, were reportedly killed in separate attacks across parts of Plateau State within two days, while more than 20 hectares of farmland were destroyed, according to the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM). In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, the group said the incidents had left families grieving and communities living in fear. The reported casualties and destruction had not been independently confirmed by security authorities at the time of reporting.

The BYM said 25-year-old Phillip Luka and 34-year-old Sunday John were killed on 23 September at a mining site in Kworos Gangare, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. It also reported the destruction of farmland in Jol, Riyom; Exland, Gashish; Rapwomol; and Dorowa Babuje on the same day. The group said the damage threatened the livelihoods and food security of affected families, whose crops and sources of income had been lost.

On 24 September, the association said two people were killed at Nghar, Exland, in Gashish District, while three others died at Gassa, Barkin Ladi. It identified those victims as Ishaya Pam Dung, 47, Barnabas Gyang Jack, 23, and 26-year-old Manasseh Luka Mushwer. The group questioned the effectiveness of a 6 p.m.

to 6 a.m. curfew imposed in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu local government areas. It urged security agencies to move beyond responding after attacks and conduct intelligence operations to identify and dismantle alleged criminal hideouts and operational enclaves.

The BYM also called for an urgent assessment of damaged farms and support for affected families. It asked the National Assembly, National Human Rights Commission, humanitarian agencies and international organisations to monitor the situation, protect civilians, restore livelihoods and support accountability.