Youths in Dorowa Babuje, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Monday morning blocked the Jos–Shendam highway in protest over the killing of nine community members by gunmen.
The victims were reportedly attacked on Sunday night at a bar located along the highway. The incident sparked outrage among residents, prompting youths, women and other sympathisers to barricade the road and demand justice.
Security personnel under Operation Enduring Peace have since been deployed to the area to restore calm and ensure the free flow of traffic.
The protesters insisted they would not vacate the highway until authorities take decisive action to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the attack.
One of the protesting youths, Samson Godiya, expressed frustration over what he described as repeated attacks on the community.
“We have suffered as a community for too long in the hands of these attackers. For how long shall we continue to be killed without anything being done to stop them?
“We cannot continue like this. 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 security personnel are present yet unable to prevent these killings is something we do not understand.”
The attack in Barkin Ladi LGA adds to a series of violent incidents in parts of the state, where several communities have faced repeated assaults, resulting in loss of lives and displacement of residents.
A community leader with the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the recovery of the nine bodies in a telephone interview on Monday.
Our correspondent reports that between Friday and Sunday, about 12 persons were killed in separate attacks across Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas.
Spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, confirmed the incidents and urged residents to remain calm.
“We are appealing to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies. The command will do everything possible to ensure that the perpetrators of these acts are arrested and brought to justice,” he said.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alfred Alabo, for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
