Plateau: 13 die in Barkin Ladi after deadly reprisal by Bandits over killing of three Fulani

By: Zagazola Makama

The vicious cycle of violence in Plateau State has taken another deadly turn, as 13 people were confirmed killed in separate attacks on Rachas and Rawuru villages of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, in what security sources described as a reprisal by suspected bandits.

Zagazola Makama report that the latest attacks, which occurred late Tuesday, followed the killing of two Fulani women and a young boy along the Mangu Road by suspected members of a Berom militia. The victims were reportedly travelling in a commercial vehicle near the NYSC orientation camp when they were stopped and shot dead in cold blood.

Residents and community leaders have condemned both incidents, warning that the recurring pattern of attacks and reprisals between Fulani and Berom communities risks plunging the state back into large-scale conflict reminiscent of the 2018 crisis.

Speaking during the mass burial of the 13 victims in Rachas village, the Executive Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council, Hon. Stephen Gyang Pwajok, described the killings as “unprovoked and deeply regrettable.”

He sympathised with the affected families and assured that government was intensifying efforts to restore peace through enhanced security deployment and dialogue among stakeholders.

“The government will not relent in its determination to end these needless killings. We are engaging both traditional and community leaders to promote genuine reconciliation,” he said.

Similarly, the District Head of Heipang, Da Paul Tadi-Tok, lamented the continued targeting of innocent villagers, calling for decisive steps to prevent further bloodshed.

He urged authorities to restrict herders from grazing in areas where they are not resident, arguing that such a measure could help reduce infiltration by attackers who disguise as herders to carry out assaults.

“We must strengthen local vigilance and revive Operation Rainbow so that communities can respond promptly to distress situations,” the traditional ruler added.

The Security Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, Brig.-Gen. Shippi Gakji Goshwe (Rtd.), disclosed that the state’s community security outfit was undergoing recruitment and training to reinforce operations in vulnerable areas.

“Government is not relenting. The new recruits will be properly equipped to complement conventional forces in protecting rural communities,” he said.

However, tension remains high in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring Mangu, Riyom, and Bokkos LGAs following recurring attacks and reprisals that have claimed dozens of lives in recent months.

Zagazola recalled that Leaders of the Fulani community have accused the authorities of selective silence, alleging that killings of their members often go unreported or unpunished.

“Our people have been victims of serial attacks without any arrests. Each time there is retaliation, it is only then that the authorities act. This selective justice is fuelling anger and worsening the crisis,” he said.

The killings point to the fragility of peace efforts in Plateau State, where inter-communal distrust, land disputes, and allegations of bias in security responses continue to hinder reconciliation.

Security analysts warn that unless government enforces equal protection for all and prosecutes perpetrators from both sides, the state risks sliding into another phase of tit-for-tat violence that could destabilize the region.

The Plateau State Government and Police Command were yet to issue official statements as of the time of filing this report.

Plateau: 13 die in Barkin Ladi after deadly reprisal by Bandits over killing of three Fulani