Silent Genocide? 25 Berom Killed in 7 Days —Where Is Nigeria’s Conscience?

By Sele Media Africa News Desk

In a chilling escalation of violence in Nigeria’s Plateau State, 25 ethnic Berom people, including children, have reportedly been killed in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas within just a week. The Berom Youth Movement (BYM) has described the killings as “unconscionable” and is demanding answers from security agencies, even as they praise the courage of a few officers.

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The Atrocities Unfold

According to a joint press release issued on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, by Barr. Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri (BYM President) and Comrade Bature Iliya Adazaram (BYM Secretary), armed militiamen of Fulani extraction carried out two coordinated attacks late on Tuesday, October 14:

•⁠ ⁠Rachas Village (Tatu Community, Heipang District, Barkin Ladi LGA)
•⁠ ⁠Rawuru Village (Fan District, Barkin Ladi LGA)

In Rachas and Rawuru, the attackers struck just after 10:00 p.m., taking advantage of darkness, and slaughtered 5 minors along with 8 adult victims, all reportedly while they slept. The group also alleged that over 225 cows were rustled in the attacks.

Previously, on Monday, October 13, in Wereng Community, Riyom LGA, Mafeng Iliya (20) and Joshua Monday (38) were shot dead, and two others—Mafeng Ezekiel and Ruben Pam—were critically wounded and hospitalized.

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Questions Raised Over Security Response

BYM’s statement did not mince words. They called out what they perceive as a pattern of neglect, selective enforcement, and silence from security agencies:

⁠“We question the sincerity of security agencies whose responses are often inconsistent, biased, and reactive rather than proactive.”  
⁠“Yet, we exonerate the Sector Commander — whose gallantry prevented further carnage.”  

They further claimed that many of the raids surface shortly after security meetings involving Fulani representatives and Berom communities, suggesting a chilling possible tip-off or collusion. In light of this, BYM pushed for:

1.⁠ ⁠Sanctions against errant security personnel
2.⁠ ⁠Review of deployment patterns and rules of engagement
3.⁠ ⁠Restrictions on cattle grazing in purely Berom enclaves
4.⁠ ⁠Self-help security arrangements, as a constitutional stop-gap if the state fails to act

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Voices at the Scene & Verifications

In related press coverage, Vanguard confirmed 13 deaths in renewed attacks in Barkin Ladi, echoing BYM’s call for impartial investigations. Vanguard also noted that officials in Heipang and Rawuru have demanded restriction of cattle grazing in non-Fulani areas to minimize infiltration. [1]

Meanwhile, The Nation (Nigeria) reported that in Yelwa Village, Heipang District, at least nine persons were killed around 10:00 p.m. during a fresh attack. The BYM alleged the attackers also stole cattle, asserting that they monitored movement from Sector 4’s base to strike points. [2]

On another front, Punch earlier reported that gunmen had assassinated two Plateau youths returning from a security meeting along the Barkin Ladi–Dorowa Babuje road. [3]

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Solidarity & Resolve

BYM offered condolences to the bereaved families and communities, stating:

⁠“We stand in solidarity with those affected and mourn the innocent lives lost in this spate of violence.”  

They warned that continued inaction from government may leave the people no choice but to organize constitutionally permitted self-defense measures.

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The Road Ahead

With multiple incidents piling up and lives stolen, this is not just another headline—it’s a crisis of security, justice, and identity in Plateau State. The Sele Media Africa Fact-Checkers Unit urges:

•⁠ ⁠A transparent, independent investigation into every attack
•⁠ ⁠Immediate reinstatement of trust and accountability in security structures
•⁠ ⁠A governance paradigm shift that places lives over politics

Let the slain Berom children and elders be more than numbers. Their stories demand action, not silence.

— Sele Media Africa
Because every life tells a story, and every story demands justice.

Citations:
1.⁠ ⁠Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/10/plateau-13-killed-in-renewed-attacks-on-barkin-ladi-communities-2/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2.⁠ ⁠The Nation Newspaper: thenationonlineng.net/nine-reportedly-killed-in-fresh-plateau-attack/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3.⁠ ⁠Punch: punchng.com/gunmen-kill-two-plateau-youths-returning-from-security-meeting/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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