“We Are Tired of Killings” — Plateau Residents Protest Over Bandit Attacks

Plateau residents from various communities on Monday staged a peaceful protest over the persistent attacks and killings allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani militias.

The demonstration followed a fresh attack on Ratatis community in the Dorowa Babuje district on Sunday night, where more than 10 residents were reportedly killed by gunmen.

Angry protesters barricaded the Jos–Mangu–Pankshin highway, a major route linking the state capital to the central parts of the state, causing severe traffic congestion that extended into Jos and surrounding areas.

A youth leader, Ishaya Gayus, told journalists during the protest that residents were exhausted by the recurring violence, which he said had resulted in deaths, destruction of homes and farmlands, and the displacement of entire communities.

He lamented that despite repeated attacks, authorities had done little to curb the situation, claiming that more than 10 communities had been attacked and over 50 people killed in the past six months.

“We have suffered for too long as a community in the hands of these attackers whom we know to be Fulani herdsmen. For how long shall we continue to be killed without anything being done to stop them?” Gayus said.

Another protester criticised the state government and security agencies for what he described as inaction, saying residents were weary of repeated assurances without tangible results.

“We cannot continue like this. We are tired of promises by the government and security agents to protect us. If they cannot live up to their promises, they should leave us alone,” he said.

He also accused security operatives of failing to respond promptly to distress calls during attacks.

“When the terrorists strike our communities, we make frantic calls to security agencies, but they refuse to come to our aid even when they are close by,” he alleged.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Rwang Tengwong, who was present at the protest, described the incident as part of a worsening security crisis in the state, noting that several communities had been repeatedly targeted by gunmen, leading to deaths and displacement.

“Yesterday evening, seven persons were brutally killed following an attack by armed Fulani terrorists at Ratatis, Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. The attack occurred at about 7:27 pm, leaving three others seriously injured,” Tengwong said.

He added that two additional bodies were recovered on Monday morning in Dorowa Babuje, while another resident was reportedly shot dead in Jol, Riyom Local Government Area.

“All we want is justice for the victims and protection for our communities, as these attacks are becoming too frequent and appear to be a deliberate attempt to wipe out our people,” Tengwong said.