The United States has expressed support for Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to tackle renewed violence in Plateau State, particularly in communities around Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

The U.S. government said it would continue to work with Nigerian authorities to protect Christian communities in the Middle Belt.

It also urged the Nigerian government to sustain its security response following fresh attacks that left several people dead in parts of Plateau State.

The statement was issued against the backdrop of renewed violence in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring areas, where residents have faced attacks, killings and displacement in recent days.

“The United States commends Nigeria’s strong response to the latest attacks from Fulani militant groups,” the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs said.

“We will continue to work with the Nigerian government to protect Christians in the Middle Belt. We urge Nigeria to continue the momentum and defend the Barkin Ladi communities in particular.”

The comments have drawn attention to the worsening security situation in Plateau State, especially communities that have suffered repeated attacks over the years.

The latest violence occurred between Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, with reports of killings in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and surrounding communities.

At least nine people were reported killed during the latest incidents.

Five of the victims were passengers travelling towards Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area when they were ambushed.

The victims were reportedly labourers travelling to the area when gunmen attacked them.

The Pyem Youth Leader in Gana-Ropp, Ukasha Garaba, confirmed that the bodies of five victims had been recovered from the area.

“We evacuated the corpses of five persons from Gana-Ropp. They were passengers who were travelling as labourers.”

The attack was followed by another incident in Dorowa Babuje, also in Barkin Ladi.

Two people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed while travelling to church.

The incident caused fresh tension in the community and surrounding areas, with residents reporting continued gunfire around the Kantoma axis.

Women and children were reportedly moved to safer locations as residents feared further attacks.

A community member, Lawrence Shong, said: “As I speak to you, at about 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, we are still hearing sounds of gunshots. Women and children are currently being evacuated because of the ongoing attack.”

The spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, also called for a stronger and sustained security presence in the affected communities.

“Military personnel have been drafted to the community, and what we need now is sustained security deployment to protect the people and prevent further attacks.”

The fresh incidents were not restricted to Barkin Ladi.

A woman was reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area on Saturday night, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in the Fan District.

Several cattle were also reportedly killed or stolen around Dorowa Maranba and the Kantoma axis.

Gambo Abubakar, Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Barkin Ladi, confirmed the reports of cattle being stolen and called on security agencies to investigate the incident.

Earlier in the month, nine passengers were reportedly killed after gunmen attacked a commercial vehicle at Dungus Junction in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area.

Other deadly incidents were also reported in Mangu and Riyom, further raising concerns about the security of rural communities and people travelling between them.

The recurring attacks have affected different categories of residents, including farmers, traders, travellers, herders, religious workers and members of local security groups.

The situation has also placed additional pressure on security agencies operating in Plateau State.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has repeatedly maintained that his administration is working with security agencies to confront those responsible for attacks and protect residents.

Following the latest killings, the governor said he remained committed to protecting the people of the state.

“I cannot abandon my responsibility of securing the people of Plateau State. We will protect our people with all that we have, within the ambit of the law. Plateau State will not be defeated by violence or the gun. We must remain united because our collective strength is critical to overcoming the challenges confronting us.”

In a related development, Politics Nigeria reported on September 24 that the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria warned against attributing the killing of Deputy Commander of Operation Rainbow, CSP Dennis David Babale, to Fulani people without credible evidence.

Babale was reportedly ambushed by gunmen while travelling along the Bokkos-Barkin Ladi road on September 22.

He later died from injuries sustained during the attack.

The development underlines the difficulty surrounding the security crisis in Plateau, where communities have repeatedly accused one another of attacks and reprisals.

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Nasarawa Amazons and Falconets midfielder Joy Igbokwe has received a major boost in her young career after earning a call-up to the Super Falcons squad for Nigeria’s 2028 Olympic qualifying fixtures against Comoros.

Sports247 reports that the 20-year-old midfielder has been rewarded for her consistent performances at club and youth international level, with interim Super Falcons head coach Augustine Eguavoen handing her an opportunity to step up to the senior national team.

Read Also: Skates Before Super Falcons: Ajibade’s Unlikely Football Journey

Nigeria are scheduled to face Comoros in the second round of the African qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Comoros are officially designated as the home side for the first leg on Friday, October 9, while the return fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13.

Both matches will take place at the Remo Stars Sports Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, with Comoros unable to host the first leg at home because they do not have a CAF-approved stadium for international fixtures.

Igbokwe’s promotion to the senior national team comes after several impressive campaigns with the Falconets and Nasarawa Amazons. Regarded as a composed midfielder and strong leader on the pitch, she has established herself as an important figure in Nigeria’s youth football structure.

Her journey has included appearances and notable performances at major youth competitions, including the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and the WAFU B Girls Cup.

However, Igbokwe missed Nigeria’s recently concluded FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign in Poland after she was unable to secure a visa to travel for the tournament.

At club level, she has also played an important role for Nasarawa Amazons, helping the side win the NWFL FA Cup last season.

Her latest call-up therefore represents an opportunity to make up for the disappointment of missing the U-20 World Cup and begin a new chapter with the senior national team.

Eguavoen’s decision to include the midfielder reflects the coaching staff’s recognition of her development, consistency and leadership qualities over recent seasons.

With Nigeria aiming to progress through the Olympic qualifying campaign, Igbokwe will now have the chance to train alongside some of the country’s most established female footballers and compete for a place in the final matchday squad.

For the young midfielder, the Comoros fixtures could mark the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new chapter in her international career.