The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) has condemned in strong terms the renewed wave of killings in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State, where at least 31 persons, including minors, were killed within one week in what the group described as coordinated attacks by suspected militias.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, President of BYM, and Bature Iliya Adazaram, Secretary, the association said heavily armed assailants launched simultaneous attacks on the night of October 15 on Rachas village in Heipang District and Rawuru village in Fan District, both in Barkin Ladi LGA.
According to the statement, 11 persons, including five children, were killed in Rachas, while two others lost their lives in Rawuru. The attackers also reportedly rustled over 255 cows during the assault.
“The victims of the Rachas massacre included Chollom Danjuma (37), Christy Dung (32), and three children aged between five and ten years. The attackers opened fire while the victims were asleep and later herded away the stolen livestock to Fass settlement,” the statement said.
BYM further reported that on October 13, two persons were killed and two injured in Wereng community of Riyom LGA, alleging that the attacks occurred despite the presence of security personnel in the area. The group accused some operatives of bias and selective response in handling security incidents.
The association expressed concern over what it described as a “dangerous pattern” in which violent attacks tend to follow security meetings involving Fulani and Berom representatives. It cited a recent incident where community leaders returning from a meeting at Sector 4 Headquarters were ambushed, leaving four dead, two injured, and two missing.
BYM also recalled that on October 8, an attack in Gabwat village of Fan District claimed the lives of a one-year-old baby and three adults. In total, the group said 12 people were killed in Fan District, 11 in Heipang, and two in Wereng within a week — describing it as “one of the darkest weeks for the Berom Nation.”
The association called for an outright ban on open grazing in Berom communities, alleging that the practice has become a cover for terrorist activities and forceful land occupation.
While urging government and security agencies to act decisively, BYM warned that communities may resort to constitutionally backed self-defence if authorities fail to protect them.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peace built on justice and extended condolences to families affected by the recent attacks, urging security operatives to discharge their duties with equity, fairness, and professionalism.
