Rasheeda Yahaya
Tragedy has once again struck Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State as 13 people were confirmed dead following separate attacks on Rachas village in Heipang District and Rawuru village in Fan District.
Confirming the incident, the Executive Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council, Hon. Stephen Gyang Pwajok, said the attacks, which occurred in the late hours of Tuesday, were “unprovoked and deeply regrettable.”
Speaking during the mass burial of the victims at Rachas village, the Chairman condemned the heinous act and expressed sympathy to the affected families and communities.
He assured that the government remains committed to exploring all possible avenues to restore and sustain peace in the area.
Also speaking, the District Head of Heipang, Da Paul Tadi-Tok, decried the continued attacks on innocent villagers and called for decisive action to prevent a recurrence.
He urged authorities to restrict herders from grazing in communities where Fulani are not resident, saying such measures would help reduce friction and prevent infiltration by attackers posing as herders.
The traditional ruler further called for the revitalization and strengthening of Operation Rainbow, the state-own community security outfit, to enable them to respond promptly to distressed situations in rural communities.
The Security Adviser to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and Coordinator, Operation Rainbow, Brigadier General Shippi Gakji Goshwe (Rtd.) reaffirmed the Plateau State Government’s commitment to improving community-based security operations.
He disclosed that Operation Rainbow is currently undergoing a recruitment process and that new personnel would be trained and equipped to support conventional security agencies in tackling the wave of attacks across the state.
Adding his voice, the President of the Berom Youth Movement (BYM) condemned the attacks and echoed calls for the restriction of cattle grazing in non-Fulani communities.
He questioned the recurring justification of alleged cattle rustling as a reason for killing innocent people.
The fresh attacks in Barkin Ladi comes amid growing calls from residents and leaders for decisive and impartial security intervention to halt the persistent killings in rural communities across Plateau Sta
