Tears As Eight Plateau Attack Victims Are Buried

Tears flowed on Monday evening as eight victims of the recent attack on Gwon-Ajang village in Foron District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, were laid to rest.

Family members, community leaders, religious leaders and sympathisers attended the burial, mourning those killed by gunmen during the attack.

More than 15 others were reportedly injured in the incident, which has renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of the state.

Speaking during the burial, a former member of the House of Representatives for Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, Peter Gyendeng, lamented the recurring attacks on communities in Plateau.

He said residents had become weary of the continuous killings despite efforts to live peacefully.

He said, “We are sick and tired of being killed. We have been living in peace and have tried everything humanly possible not to engage anybody.

“We have never crossed into another community to attack anyone, yet these things continue to happen to us on a daily basis.”

Gyendeng expressed frustration over what he described as the failure to stop the cycle of violence.

He further stated, “It is painful. People stay in their communities, and somebody comes to attack and kill them.

“You cannot even celebrate one good thing without fear. For how long will people continue to live this kind of life?”

He called on security agencies and government authorities to act urgently and ensure that those behind the attacks are brought to justice.

Lawmaker Condemns Killings

Also reacting, the member representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ishaya David Lalu, described the killings as painful and unacceptable.

Lalu said, “I am deeply saddened by the continuous loss of innocent lives in our communities.

“These attacks are not only cruel but also a direct assault on our shared humanity and peaceful coexistence as a people.”

Lalu urged security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and apprehend the perpetrators.

The National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, described the security situation in the area as alarming.

He warned that many rural communities remained vulnerable due to inadequate security presence.

According to him, residents largely depend on local vigilantes who are poorly equipped to confront heavily armed attackers.

Mwantiri called on the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel to vulnerable communities and strengthen the security architecture.

He also urged the government to seek international collaboration and support in tackling insecurity and terrorism in affected areas.