Berom youth group decries killing of 31 persons in Plateau

The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) has condemned in strong terms the renewed wave of killings in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State, where 31 persons, including minors, were murdered within one week in what it described as coordinated attacks by suspected militias.

In a statement signed by Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, president of BYM and Bature Iliya Adazaram, Secretary, released to Journalists on Wednesday in Jos, it said heavily armed attackers launched simultaneous attacks on the night of October 14 on Rachas village in Heipang District and Rawuru village in Fan District, both in Barkin Ladi LGA. Eleven people, including five children, were reportedly killed in Rachas, and two others in Rawuru, alongside the rustling of over 255 cows.

“The victims of the Rachas massacre included Chollom Danjuma (37), Christy Dung (32), and three children aged between five and ten years. The attackers opened fire while the victims were asleep and then herded away the stolen livestock to the Fass settlement.”

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The statement also reported that on October 13, two persons were killed in the Wereng Community of Riyom LGA, while two others sustained injuries. BYM alleged that these killings occurred despite the presence of security personnel in the area, accusing some operatives of bias and selective response to the attacks.

BYM raised serious concerns over what it called a dangerous pattern where deadly attacks tend to follow security meetings involving Fulani and Berom representatives. It cited a recent ambush on community leaders returning from a meeting at Sector 4 Headquarters, where four people were killed, two were injured, and two went missing.

On October 8, another attack claimed the lives of a one-year-old baby and three adults in Gabwat village of Fan District. BYM reported that, within a week, 12 people were killed in the Fan District, 11 in Heipang, and two in Wereng, amounting to one of the darkest weeks for the Berom Nation.

The group called for an outright ban on open grazing in Berom communities, describing it as a tool for masking terrorist operations and forceful land takeovers. They warned that if government and security agencies fail in their responsibilities, communities may resort to constitutionally backed self-defence measures.

The group called for urgent government intervention and demanded that security agencies act with equity, justice, and professionalism. It reaffirmed its commitment to peace built on justice and extended condolences to all bereaved families across the affected communities.