Eight victims of Plateau attack buried amid sorrow

Tears and sorrow filled the air as eight victims of Sunday’s attack on Gwon-Ajang village in Foron District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, were buried.

The victims were laid to rest on Monday evening. Family members, community leaders, religious leaders, and sympathisers gathered to mourn those killed during the attack.

More than 15 people were reported injured in the incident. This has raised worries about insecurity in parts of Plateau State.

During the burial, Hon. Peter Gyendeng, a former member of the House of Representatives for Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, expressed his sadness about the ongoing attacks on communities in the state. He said residents were tired of the constant loss of lives.

“We are sick and tired of being killed. We have been living in peace and have tried everything humanly possible not to engage anybody,” he said.

He added, “We have never crossed into another community to attack anyone, yet these things continue to happen to us on a daily basis.”

Gyendeng was worried about the ongoing violence despite what he called the peaceful nature of affected communities.

“It is painful. People stay in their communities and somebody comes to attack and kill them. You cannot even celebrate one good thing without fear. For how long will people continue to live this kind of life?” he asked.

He urged security agencies and government authorities to take urgent steps to stop the attacks and ensure those responsible are punished.

Hon. Ishaya David Lalu, who represents Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, also spoke about the killings in Foron and other recent attacks in Plateau State.

Lalu called the incidents painful and unacceptable. He stressed that no community should live in fear and violence.

“I am deeply saddened by the continuous loss of innocent lives in our communities. These attacks are not only cruel but also a direct assault on our shared humanity and peaceful coexistence as a people,” he said.

The lawmaker urged security agencies to do more to protect vulnerable communities and catch those behind the attacks.

Meanwhile, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, the National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, described the security situation in the area as alarming. He warned that many rural communities remain at risk due to a lack of security presence.

He said residents mostly rely on local vigilante groups, which are often not well-equipped to face armed attackers.