Gunmen Kill Three, Injure Two, and Destroy Over 100 Hectares of Farmland in Plateau

Gunmen killed three youths and injured two others in the Rakwok community, located in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

It was also reported that gunmen destroyed over 100 hectares of farmland and harvested crops in the Riyom area of the state.

The gunmen in their large numbers swooped on the Rakwok community in the early hours of Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at about 10am and shot three youths who were carrying out their legitimate businesses at close range and opened fire at random on other innocent people within the vicinity.

The President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Barrister Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, who confirmed the incident in a signed statement, identified the three individuals killed by the gunmen as Mr. Chollom Daniel, 27; Mr. Jang Joseph, 21; and Mr. Richard Dapel, 18.

He also stated that three others who were injured are currently in the hospital receiving treatment.

The President of the Association expressed deep concern over the alarming recurrence of killings, ambushes, assaults on women, deliberate destruction, and mass harvesting of corn and other crops belonging to Berom natives by gunmen believed to be Fulani militia.

He highlighted that the militia have been particularly active in the Riyom local government area, where they are frequently carrying out a range of atrocities, including destroying farms, setting harvested crops on fire, and shooting farmers while they work in their fields.

“Massive destruction of farms was witnessed in Riyom communities such as Jol, Rim, Litton, and Rinyam,” he said.

“In the past one week there have been persistent incidents of setting harvested crops ablaze in the night in Ghashishi of Barakin-Ladi local government. Harvested crops like Asha waiting to be threshed were set on fire.

“More than 100 hectares of farms were destroyed recently; the farmers are presently devastated and helpless. They were encouraged to farm and protected by the security agencies but now lost everything by the sudden attack by the bandits. At the moment, their investment is gone.”

He therefore urged the security agencies, particularly Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), to take immediate action to halt the disturbing trend in the affected local government areas.

“It’s our firm view that the continued killings, ambushes, willful destruction of crops and harvest of our people’s farmlands, and forceful expansion of territories amongst you other Fulani are not only their deliberate efforts towards total taking over of villages and communities, but also attempts to revisit our people with another round of massacre witnessed on Christmas- Eve last year.

“We would continue to be peace advocates in support of the patriotic effort of Gen. AE Abubakar, the GOC, and Commander Operation Safe Haven-OPSH.

“In the same vein, we would continue to support the Plateau State Government under Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and also President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in upholding the core values of democracy.”

Barrister Mwantiri also called for a thorough investigation into the attack on the Rakwok community, where three people were killed and two others injured on Wednesday.

He further emphasized that those whose farms and harvested crops were destroyed should receive compensation.

Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Hon. Pwajok Stephen Gyang, paid a condolence visit to Rakwok village.

The Chairman expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life, condemning the unchecked violence that has plagued Rakwok and other parts of Barkin Ladi.

He lamented the ongoing pattern of attacks with no consequences for the perpetrators and stressed the urgent need for enhanced security in the area.

While acknowledging the efforts of security personnel in restoring relative peace in Barkin Ladi recently, Hon. Pwajok urged them to increase their vigilance to prevent further attacks on civilians.

He called for the implementation of early warning systems and decisive measures to curb criminal activities and ensure lasting peace.

Following his visit, Hon. Pwajok convened an emergency security meeting with key security officials at the council secretariat, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property in Barkin Ladi.