Echoes of Genocide: Barkin Ladi Massacre Leaves 13 Berom Dead, Youths Demand Justice

Barkin Ladi, Plateau State — In yet another wave of brutal violence that has plagued Plateau State for years, 13 innocent people — including women and children — were gruesomely murdered in separate attacks on Rachas village in Heipang District and Rawuru village in Fan District late Tuesday night.

The horror unfolded under the cover of darkness, leaving behind a trail of blood, burnt homes, and a grieving community forced to bury their loved ones in a mass funeral at Rachas village.

Speaking to the press, Hon. Stephen Gyang Pwajok, Executive Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council, described the attacks as “unprovoked and deeply regrettable.” He condemned the act in strong terms, expressing solidarity with the affected families and assuring that government would pursue every avenue to restore lasting peace in the troubled region.

But the calls for peace are now accompanied by growing anger and frustration.

Da Paul Tadi-Tok, District Head of Heipang, didn’t mince words as he called for urgent and decisive measures, including the restriction of herders from grazing in areas where Fulani do not reside. According to him, attackers now disguise as herders, infiltrating communities before launching deadly strikes.

“How many more lives must we bury before action is taken?” he asked.

On his part, Brig. Gen. Shippi Gakji Goshwe (Rtd.), Security Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, assured residents that the government is not sleeping. He announced that Operation Rainbow — Plateau State’s community security outfit — is undergoing a new recruitment and training phase to better support federal security forces.

However, to many Plateau indigenes, such promises are not new — and neither is the bloodshed.

The Berom Youth Movement (BYM), through its President, described the latest killings as “yet another cruel reminder of the selective response of security agencies.” They repeated their demand for the restriction of cattle grazing in Berom communities, especially those without Fulani settlements.

The group also rejected the excuse of cattle rustling as a justification for the mass killings of innocent villagers, calling it a flawed narrative used to mask terrorism and ethnic cleansing.

This fresh round of attacks comes barely a week after the killing of 25 Berom people, also in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs — highlighting what residents now see as a coordinated pattern of extermination.

With tensions boiling and trust in government response at an all-time low, Plateau’s villages remain on edge.

Sele Media Africa continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Plateau State, calling on national and international stakeholders to act before the hills of Jos are soaked in more blood.

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