Tension gripped Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday as angry youths blocked the highway leading to Jos and other local councils to protest the killing of community members by gunmen who attacked Dorowa Bubuje on Sunday night.
One of the protesting youths, Samson Godiya, lamented the repeated violence, saying: “We have suffered as a community for too long in the hands of these attackers. For how long shall we continue to be killed without anything being done to stop them? We are tired of promises by the government and security agents to protect us.”
Our correspondent reports that the protesters, joined by women and sympathizers, vowed not to vacate the road until the perpetrators are apprehended and punished according to law.
Community leader with the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed that at least 10 persons were killed in the latest attack. “Yesterday we recovered seven dead bodies of our members, but this morning two more were recovered from Dorowa Bubuje, while another person was shot dead in Jol, Riyom Local Government,” he said.
Tengwong added that injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention, with several still recovering.
The blockade has disrupted traffic, leaving motorists from Shendam and Langtang stranded, while those from Jos were forced to wait for clearance.
Efforts to reach the Plateau Police Command spokesman, DSP Alfred Alabo, for comment were unsuccessful at press time.
The incident marks yet another wave of violence in Plateau communities, where residents have repeatedly accused security agencies of failing to protect them despite heavy deployments.
By Golok Nanmwa, Jos
