Youths in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday blocked the Jos highway in protest against the killing of 10 people by gunmen in attacks that began Sunday evening.
The demonstrators, joined by women and other community members, refused appeals to reopen the road, insisting they would remain until those responsible are apprehended and brought to justice.
Reports indicate the death toll climbed to 10 after seven people were initially killed in Ratatis, Dorowa Babuje, in Barkin Ladi, leaving three others critically injured. Two additional bodies were discovered in Dorowa Babuje on Monday morning, while another victim was shot dead in Jol, Riyom Local Government Area.
Rwang Tengwong, a leader of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, ascribed the attacks to terrorists.
“Yesterday evening, seven persons were brutally killed following an attack by armed Fulani Terrorists at Ratatis, Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area,” he said.
“The attack occurred at about 7:27 pm, leaving three others seriously injured. This morning, two more dead bodies of community members were recovered from Dorowa Babuje, while another person was shot dead in Jol, Riyom local government council of the state.”
Samson Godiya, a protester, expressed deep frustration over ongoing insecurity and alleged security failures.
“We have suffered as a community for too long in the hands of these attackers whom we know to be Fulani herdsmen. For how long shall we continue to be killed without anything being done to stop them. We cannot continue like this,” he said.
“We are tired of promises by the government and security agents to protect us. If they cannot live up to their promises, they should leave us alone.
”A situation where the security people will be there and at the same time, cannot stop the killers from having their way is what we cannot understand.”
The blockade disrupted movement for motorists from Shendam and Langtang axes heading to Jos, with those from Jos also held up.
Alfred Alabo, spokesperson of the Plateau police command, was not available for comments as of the time of filing this report.