At least 21 killed in Plateau in fresh attacks

Gunmen have killed at least 21 people in Baton and Rayogot communities in Barkin Ladi local government of Plateau state in fresh attacks in the strife-plagued state.

The Berom Youth Movement, a socio-cultural group in the area, said the latest attack happened at about 1: 26 a.m. on Thursday, and left seven other persons injured.

”21 persons have been killed in an attack in two different villages in Heipang District of Barkin Ladi,” Rwang Tengwong, the national publicity secretary of the group, said in a statement, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

“The attackers, who came around 1:26 a.m. killed 17 Persons at Batin of Heipang town while four others were killed at Rayogot.

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang condemned the attacks and called on security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to book.

“Security agencies have been charged to redouble their efforts and put an end to the senseless killings of innocent people in the rural communities of Mangu, Barkin-Ladi, Riyom and other parts of the state,” his spokesperson Gyang Bere said in statement.

– Cycle of violence

Plateau State, located in the central region of Nigeria, has been plagued by a disturbing cycle of killings and ethnoreligious crises that have resulted in frequent and tragic attacks.

The region’s history is marked by tensions between various ethnic and religious groups, including the predominantly Christian Berom ethnic group and the Fulani Muslim pastoralists. These tensions are often fuelled by competition over resources such as land and water, as well as historical grievances and political factors.

The clashes often escalates into deadly attacks, resulting in loss of lives, displacement of communities, and destruction of property. The attacks are characterized by brutal tactics, including armed raids, arson, and ambushes.

The Nigerian government, local authorities, and security forces have struggled to effectively manage and mitigate the conflicts, often criticized for inadequate response and inability to prevent the recurring violence.