Some residents of Kassa community in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau state, on Sunday, attacked soldiers and set a military checkpoint ablaze, following the burial of a resident reportedly killed by gunmen.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency
publication focused on the Lake Chad region, security sources said the incident
occurred at about 11:40pm on Monday when a crowd stormed a checkpoint at Rapung
Kassa, destroying the facility, including makeshift structures and equipment
used by troops deployed in the area.
“The attack reportedly happened during the burial ceremony
of one Gyang Nuhu Choji, who was said to have been killed on April 16 by
unidentified armed men suspected to be Fulani bandits operating within the
general area,” Makama said.
“Witnesses said the protesters, made up of youths and women,
accused security operatives of failing to prevent repeated attacks in the
community, alleging that the presence of troops had not translated into
adequate protection for residents.
“The angry mob reportedly blocked access roads during the
protest, temporarily disrupting movement in and out of the area before later
reopening the route to motorists after intervention by local stakeholders and
assurances from security representatives.”
Makama reported that calm was eventually restored following
discussions between community leaders and security authorities, with assurances
that the situation would be reassessed to prevent further escalation.
Security sources confirmed that no casualties were recorded
during the incident, adding that surveillance and patrol operations had been
intensified in the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The publication said security assessments indicate a pattern
of violence involving bandits and a militia in the area.
Makama reported that the recent pattern of attacks could be
traced to April 13, when troops, following a series of violent incidents
between both groups, searched Ariri and Kwasha in Bassa LGA for a missing
herder.
His body was later found, while troops also recovered 32
cattle.
Troops also raided an illegal camp in Ungwan Doki, Riyom
LGA, arresting four suspected migrants.
The publication said on April 12, troops restored calm after
a clash in Rakum, Barkin Ladi LGA, where several people were injured and one
suspect was arrested.
Makama said troops foiled attacks in Rasa and along the
Hukke–Rewienko road, rescuing victims, and later stopped cattle rustling in
Kpashio, recovering 92 cattle while the owner was either killed or escaped.
However, within the same period, Makama reported that armed
Berom militia engaged troops in a heavy gun battle in Barkin Ladi.
“The troops gunned down five of the attackers. Later that
same day, the corpses were hastily buried by the community to avoid scrutiny
due to the identity of the attackers,” the report reads.
“On April 18, 2026, troops intercepted and apprehended nine
suspected Berom militia involved in targeted killing.
“Those arrested were identified as Mr. Gyang Dantoro, Mr.
Samson Davou, Mr. Choji Yakubu, Mr. Vincent Adamu, Mr. Pam Dalyop, Mr. Femi
Badung, Mr. Jacob Musa and Mr. Choji Chaga, all residents of Danwal and
reportedly of Berom extraction.
“Items recovered from them include three motorcycles, one
pistol, one submachine gun, one locally made revolver rifle, 20 rounds of
pistol ammunition, and one locally fabricated rifle, among other items.
“On April 19, nine cattle were confirmed dead while three
others are in critical condition following suspected poisoning by Berom youths
in Rakum village, Kassa District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of
Plateau State.”
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