The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), under the leadership of Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, Esq., is deeply saddened by the fresh killings and destruction of farmlands in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
These victims were not mere statistics. They were sons, husbands, fathers, brothers and community leaders whose deaths have left families grieving and communities living in fear.
Within two days, at least seven people were killed, while more than 20 hectares of farmland were reportedly destroyed.
On September 23, 2026, Phillip Luka, 25, and Sunday John, 34, were killed at a mining site in Kworos Gangare, Barkin Ladi. The same day, farmlands in Jol, Riyom, Exland, Gashish, Rapwomol and Dorowa Babuje were destroyed, threatening the livelihoods and food security of affected families.
On September 24, two people were killed at Nghar, Exland in Gashish District, while three others were killed at Gassa, Barkin Ladi. They were identified as Ishaya Pam Dung, 47, a married father of two and community youth leader; Barnabas Gyang Jack, 23, married with one child; and Manasseh Luka Mushwer, 26.
BYM is alarmed that these attacks continue despite the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew imposed in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures.
We therefore demand immediate and decisive action from the security agencies. Beyond responding after attacks occur, authorities must use credible intelligence to identify, search and dismantle criminal hideouts and operational enclaves, including areas around Fass, Mahanga, the Fulani settlement at Bangai, Lugere and other locations identified through intelligence.
The destruction of farmlands must equally be treated as a serious threat to food security.
Government should urgently assess the affected farms and provide meaningful support to families who have lost their crops and sources of income.
BYM further calls on the National Assembly, National Human Rights Commission, humanitarian agencies and international organisations to closely monitor the security and humanitarian situation in Plateau and support efforts to protect civilians, restore livelihoods and ensure accountability.
Plateau communities have endured enough bloodshed. Citizens have a right to live in their homes, travel freely, farm their lands, conduct legitimate businesses and bury their loved ones without fear.
Every life lost leaves a family devastated. Every farm destroyed pushes another family closer to hunger and poverty.
The time for stronger action is now.
BYM therefore demands an urgent, sustained and coordinated action to secure Plateau State, dismantle criminal networks, protect communities and restore public confidence.
Signed:
Rwang Tengwong
National Publicity Secretary
Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM)
25/09/2026
