Gunmen kill 52-year-old man as fresh attacks ravage Plateau farmlands

The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) has condemned the continued killings, attacks and destruction of farmlands in Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State, following the killing of a 52-year-old man and the devastation of several hectares of farmland in fresh incidents.

The condemnation was contained in a statement signed by Rwang Tengwong, National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association and made available to Journalists on Wednesday in Jos said the latest attacks reflected the persistent insecurity confronting communities across the two local government areas.

“BYM strongly condemns the continued killings, attacks, destruction of farmlands, sexual harassment of women, and cattle rustling across communities in Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State,” the statement said.

“The latest incident is the killing of 52-year-old Joshua Bulus of Dyan community in Rim Village, Riyom LGA, who was attacked and killed by armed terrorists reportedly grazing cattle a few metres away from the community. Also disturbing is the overnight destruction of about-to-be-harvested cabbage and carrot farms covering about five hectares in Gassa community of Ropp District, Barkin Ladi LGA,” it added.

The association noted that the incidents occurred barely two days after eight persons were killed and seven others critically injured in Gwom-Ajang village of Foron District, despite recent assurances and directives issued by Caleb Mutfwang, the Plateau State Governor following his visits to communities affected by attacks in Barkin Ladi and Bassa local government areas.

BYM expressed concern that communities across Plateau State had endured attacks for more than two decades, leaving residents exposed to killings, intimidation, destruction of farms and harassment on rural roads.

It also cited the alleged assault and sexual harassment of women returning from farms in Ganawuri District, the attack on Bot Yakubu in Gassa and the rustling of livestock belonging to Iliya Dongo in Tahoss as further evidence of the worsening security situation.

The group called on security agencies and governments at all levels to move beyond routine condemnations and take decisive steps to end the violence, protect vulnerable communities and safeguard livelihoods.

It also expressed solidarity with victims of the attacks and urged residents to remain vigilant while supporting lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace and security.