At least 13 people have been killed and several others injured following coordinated attacks by suspected armed herders on two communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The affected communities — Rachas village in Heipang District and Rawuru village in Fan District — were attacked late Tuesday night in what local leaders described as a well-coordinated and unprovoked invasion.
The Executive Chairman of Barkin Ladi LGA, Stephen Gyang Pwajok, confirmed the attacks during the mass burial of the victims held on Wednesday in Rachas village.
“These were simultaneous attacks clearly carried out with coordination and intent,” Pwajok said.
“The people were not armed. This is a deliberate attempt to eliminate our communities and take over their ancestral lands,” he added.
The chairman condemned the attacks in strong terms and sympathised with the grieving families and entire community. He assured that the government is committed to doing all it can to restore and maintain peace in the affected areas.
Tears flowed freely as families and neighbours buried the victims in a mass grave. Some residents described the latest violence as the worst they had experienced in recent months.
Survivors and witnesses said the gunmen, believed to be suspected Fulani terrorists, arrived in the night, opened fire on sleeping villagers, and set parts of the community ablaze. Several farmlands were also destroyed, heightening fears of looming food shortages.
Many of the injured, some in critical condition, are receiving treatment at nearby health facilities, while others have been displaced and are now taking refuge in neighbouring communities.
Also speaking at the burial, the District Head of Heipang, Da Paul Tadi-Tok, condemned the continued attacks and urged the government and security agencies to take decisive action to prevent further bloodshed.
“We cannot continue like this. Innocent villagers are being killed in their sleep. This must stop,” the traditional ruler said.
He specifically called on the government to restrict herders from grazing in communities where Fulani are not indigenous residents, saying this would reduce the possibility of infiltration by attackers disguising as herders.
He also urged the revitalization of Operation Rainbow, the state-owned community-based security outfit, which he believes can help detect and respond to threats early if properly funded and empowered.
In response to the attacks, the Security Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, Brigadier General Shippi Gakji Goshwe (Rtd.), assured that the state government is working to improve grassroots security.
He disclosed that Operation Rainbow is currently undergoing recruitment and that the new personnel would be trained and equipped to support conventional security forces across rural communities.
“We are doing everything we can to strengthen community security. Once new recruits are trained, we will have more manpower to respond quickly to distress calls,” Goshwe said.
He also commended the resilience of the affected communities and promised that those behind the attacks will be brought to justice.
Tuesday’s attack is the latest in a string of violent incidents that have rocked Plateau State, particularly in rural areas, where clashes between herders and farmers have remained a source of tension.
Over the years, hundreds have been killed and thousands displaced in these conflicts, which are often linked to disputes over land, grazing rights, and ethnic-religious differences.
Despite repeated efforts by both federal and state governments to resolve the crisis, including peace talks and deployment of security personnel, attacks have continued in many parts of the state.
As the people of Rachas and Rawuru mourn their dead, many say they want more than just condolences. They are calling for justice, protection, and long-lasting peace.
“We are tired of burying our people,” said one resident.
“We want action, not just promises.”
