By Paul Joseph
Tension escalated in the Gashish community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State late Monday as protesting women vandalised a military checkpoint in anger over persistent attacks and insecurity in the area.
The women, who came out in large numbers, accused security operatives of failing to protect residents from repeated assaults by armed groups, alleging that the continued violence reflects a breakdown in security response.
Eyewitnesses said the protesters stormed and destroyed the checkpoint while expressing frustration over what they described as inaction by security forces despite their presence in the community.
Many of the women, visibly distressed, lamented the recurring killings, noting that youths, women, and the elderly remain exposed to danger.
“We are tired of burying our children and husbands. The soldiers are here, yet we are still dying. If they cannot protect us, they should leave our land,” said Mercy Dachung, a mother of four.
Another protester, Nancy Gyang, accused security personnel of responding too late during attacks.
“Each time we are attacked, we call them. They come after we have counted our losses. Are they with us or with the killers? We removed that checkpoint because it has not stopped the attacks,” she said.
Also speaking, a women’s leader, Chundung Bot, said the community had lost confidence in the security presence.
“They tell us they are here for peace, but there is no peace. Our youths are gone, our elderly are gone, and our farms are no longer safe. We want the government to hear us. We cannot continue like this,” she said.
The protest followed fresh attacks in parts of Barkin Ladi and neighbouring Riyom Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly invaded communities late Sunday night, killing at least six people and forcing many residents to flee their homes.
Meanwhile, the Berom Youth Moulders Association has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that “Berom bandits” were arrested in Danwal, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The group stated that two residents were recently attacked by suspected bandits, and that local youths who rescued one of the victims were instead arrested by security personnel. It called for their immediate release and urged authorities to focus on apprehending the actual perpetrators.
Residents have continued to call on the government and security agencies to take urgent and decisive action to restore peace and prevent further loss of lives in the affected communities.
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