Berom youths in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau have issued a strong warning to government and security agencies in the state, declaring that they “cannot guarantee peace and safety on the Plateau if Fulani continue grazing on our land.”
The warning followed the killing of seven persons in Dorowa Babuje village on Feb. 22 after gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits opened fire on residents at a local relaxation spot.
Security sources said troops of Sector 4 under Operation Safe Haven responded to a distress call at about 7:30 p.m., discovering seven persons dead and two others critically injured.
The corpses were evacuated to Barkin Ladi General Hospital mortuary, while the injured were rushed to the same facility for treatment. Troops subsequently launched aggressive patrols across Dorowa Babuje, Dong and Lugere communities to prevent further escalation and track the attackers.
However, hours after news of the killings spread, another violent episode unfolded along the Nding axis of Barkin Ladi LGA.
Security sources confirmed that youths suspected to be local indigenes mounted a road blockade and intercepted a passenger Opel Vectra conveying civilians. Four persons were reportedly selected and killed on the spot, while a fifth later died from injuries. Two of the victims were identified as Hausa indigenes of Jos North, heightening tension in parts of Jos metropolis, including Terminus and Gangare areas.
The retaliatory attack prompted swift deployments of troops in flashpoints across Barkin Ladi and adjoining districts. Joint patrols and stop-and-search operations have also been intensified along major roads. But despite the efforts by security agencies, youths barricaded road for many hourz in protest and addressed government officials who visited the area.
In a series of emotionally charged remarks, a representative of the Berom youths alleged systematic attacks by Fulani militias and accused them of manipulating narratives to justify violence.
“This is another round of terrorism and we want the security to have it on record that our lives are not to be killed by the so-called Fulani,” the youth leader said.
“These are terrorists and it must be admitted that Fulani that are killing us are terrorists.” He further alleged that herders frame incidents to justify reprisals. We are aware that they have been framing up reports that cows have been attacked, poisoned or their people have been attacked, thereby justifying these killings,” he said.
The youth leader issued a direct warning to authorities. “If Fulani are not designated as terrorists, if Fulani are not stopped from grazing on our land, nobody should come and arrest anybody,” he said.
He added: “Sir, stop this Fulani from grazing on our land. Our land is not for any grazing. Declaring that the community felt pushed to the wall, he stated: “We have been pushed to the wall… we will not take it.”
He also said: “We stand to defend our land. We stand to defend our lives and our heritage is not to be shared with the Fulani.” The youth leader further cautioned: “We cannot guarantee PEACE and SAFETY on the PLATEAU if Fulani continue grazing on our land.”If they poisoned their livestock, does that justify this act?” If they poisoned their cows, who did the poisoning? Is it our people or the Fulani?”
“We are aware that they have been framing up reports that cows have been attacked, their people have been attacked, thereby justifying these killings. Sir, you are the eye of the government here. I swear to God, we will not take it.”
“If Fulani are not designated as terrorists, if Fulani are not stopped from grazing on our land, nobody should come and arrest anybody. The terrorists are there, they are killing people.
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