In a devastating attack on Sunday night, gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen unleashed terror on Farin Lamba, Vwang District of Jos South Local Government Area, leaving eight people dead, including an eight-month-old baby. The incident adds to the escalating violence that has plagued several communities in Plateau State, namely Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Jos South, and Mangu Local Government Areas, since the conclusion of the 2023 General Elections.

According to reports, the assailants arrived at Farin Lamba in a Vectra vehicle and indiscriminately opened fire on the victims who were returning home after a day’s activities. Tragically, the eight-month-old baby and her father were among those who fell victim to the brutal attack while making their way back from the hospital.

Prior to this unprovoked assault, numerous communities in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Jos South, and Mangu Local Government Areas had already witnessed the deliberate destruction of farmlands and the brazen grazing of over 300 hectares of land. Additionally, there have been daily ambushes and killings of innocent individuals on motorcycles after Ta-hoss village in Riyom LGA, along the Abuja highway, resulting in the loss of four lives and one person sustaining injuries.

The Berom Youth Movement (BYM), led by Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, Esq., strongly condemns this attack and all other forms of provocations unleashed on innocent people in Plateau State since the conclusion of the 2023 General Elections. However, there is some hope as Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the new General Officer Commanding 3 Armoured Division Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, recently announced his commitment to dealing ruthlessly with criminal elements and restoring peace to communities affected by attacks in Plateau State and the Joint Operation Area as a whole. This commitment brings optimism for lasting peace in the region.

The BYM extends gratitude to the federal and state governments for deploying Mobile Police Officers to communities that have been frequently targeted by bandits in Riyom and Mangu Local Government Areas. This deployment has significantly reduced the number of attacks in the past three weeks. However, the organization urges for further deployment of personnel to cover communities in Barkin Ladi and Jos South Local Government Areas to address the security challenges more effectively.

With the recent appointment of new Service Chiefs, the BYM anticipates the implementation of fresh strategies to tackle the security situation in the country, specifically in Plateau State. In light of these developments, the Berom nation is called upon to remain calm, abide by the law, and continue supporting all efforts aimed at bringing about peace in their communities.

The brutal attack in Farin Lamba serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced security measures and a comprehensive approach to addressing the prevailing security challenges in Plateau State. The government, security agencies, and the entire community must work together to restore peace, protect lives, and ensure the safety of all citizens.