At least seven people have reportedly been killed in separate attacks across parts of Plateau State, while more than 20 hectares of farmland were destroyed, according to the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM).
The incidents occurred between September 23 and 24 in communities within Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas, with the reported killings and destruction of farmlands raising fresh concerns about the security and livelihoods of rural residents.
In a statement signed by BYM National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, the organisation said two people identified as 25-year-old Phillip Luka and 34-year-old Sunday John were killed on September 23 at a mining site in Kworos Gangare, Barkin Ladi.
The association also reported the destruction of farmlands in Jol in Riyom, Exland in Gashish, Rapwomol and Dorowa Babuje.
According to the BYM, the destruction of the farms threatens the livelihoods of affected families and could worsen food insecurity in communities that depend heavily on agriculture.
The association further reported that two people were killed on September 24 at Nghar, Exland, in Gashish District, while three others were killed at Gassa in Barkin Ladi.
The three victims at Gassa were identified as 47-year-old Ishaya Pam Dung, 23-year-old Barnabas Gyang Jack and 26-year-old Manasseh Luka Mushwer.
The reported deaths bring the toll from the incidents cited by the BYM to seven.
The latest violence came amid a dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed by the Plateau State Government on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu local government areas following a series of attacks in the state. The government said the measure was intended to help maintain public order, protect lives and allow security agencies to stabilise affected communities.
The BYM questioned the effectiveness of the existing security measures and called for stronger intelligence-led operations to identify and dismantle criminal hideouts and other areas allegedly being used to launch attacks.
The group also urged authorities to treat the destruction of farmland as a security and food-security issue, calling for an assessment of affected farms and support for families who have lost crops and sources of income.
It appealed to the National Assembly, National Human Rights Commission, humanitarian organisations and international partners to monitor the security and humanitarian situation in Plateau and support efforts to protect civilians and restore livelihoods.
Fresh attack kills five miners
The security situation deteriorated further on September 26 when five miners were reportedly killed and two others injured after gunmen attacked a mining site at Marit village in Barkin Ladi.
The attack, which occurred at about 1 p.m., was confirmed by BYM spokesperson Rwang Tengwong and a community member, Simon Mundat. However, reports said security agencies had not independently confirmed the casualty figures at the time.
The Marit incident occurred less than 72 hours after the killings reported at Kworos Gangare, adding to growing concerns about the safety of mining and farming communities in the area.
With attacks continuing despite the curfew, residents and community organisations have continued to call for stronger security presence, improved intelligence gathering and faster responses to threats.
The recurring violence has also placed additional pressure on communities already dealing with loss of lives, damaged livelihoods and disruption to agricultural activities.
