PLATEAU YOUTHS ACCUSE SECURITY AGENTS OF COMPLICITY IN LATEDT ATTACK BY HERDSMEN LEADING TO DEATH OF OVER 30 FARMERS

Berom Youth Moulders Association has accused security agents of complicity in the killing of over 30 farmers, including men and women, in a fresh attack by gunmen in Bindi-Jebbu, a community in Tahoss district of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State.

The attack, which occurred between 4:00 am and 6:00 am, was allegedly carried out by armed groups from Bangai-Fulani, Ganawuri, and surrounding areas.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday by the Secretary-General of BYM, Bature Iliya Adazaram, and the National President, Solomon Dalyop, the association condemned the massacre, describing it as a deliberate and coordinated assault under the watch of compromised security operatives.

According to the youth leaders, the attackers stormed the community, opened fire on sleeping residents, and set several homes ablaze.

BYM lamented that despite prior intelligence about the impending attack, the reinforcement team from Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) allegedly failed to act decisively.

While commending the Unit Commander at Sopp for efforts to repel the attackers from one direction, the group criticised another OPSH unit for allegedly parking by the roadside and failing to intervene during the massacre.

The incident has reignited concerns over the security situation in Plateau State, which has been plagued by repeated attacks on farming communities.

Just last week, the Plateau State Government recruited 150 new agro-rangers in a bid to strengthen local security and protect rural populations.

The Berom Youth Moulders Association has called for a transparent investigation into the killings and the alleged role of security personnel, demanding justice for the victims and improved security measures to prevent further bloodshed.

The statement read, “The gunmen, suspected to be members of the Fulani ethnic group, stormed the community, shooting sporadically and setting several houses ablaze.

“Twenty-seven persons were killed and many were injured. We have taken the bodies to different hospitals before the burial.

“It has also sparked concern and outrage, with many calling for increased security measures to protect the lives and property of citizens. Plateau State Government had last week recruited 150 new agro-rangers as part of efforts to address the security challenge facing the state.”

“The attack occurred between 4am and 6am, on Tuesday and was facilitated by the alleged complicity of security agents.

BYM expressed disappointment in the reinforcement team’s inaction, despite prior knowledge of the planned attack.

“What happened in Jebu this morning is the usual Fulani crime against humanity, deliberately carried out under the watch of some security agents who are said to have been compromised by colluding with the attackers.

“The BYM, during an on-the-spot assessment at the scene of the attack, eyewitnesss under anonymity commended the Unit Commander of Operation Safe Haven, stationed at Sopp for their gallantry demonstrated in repelling the attackers from one end, but also registered their loss of confidence in the reinforcement team of the OPSH that came and stationed itself by the roadside, where the massacre was perpetrated even up to 6am,” the statement said.