Angry women from the Gashish community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Monday vandalized a military checkpoint during a mass protest over persistent attacks in their area.
The demonstration occurred following a Sunday night attack in parts of Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas, where gunmen reportedly killed six people.
Reacting, a large group of women vandalized and removed the military checkpoint, expressing total frustration with the perceived ineffectiveness of security forces.
The protesters alleged that security personnel have failed to stop attacks, even when they occur within meters of established checkpoints.
Alleging possible collaborations with attackers, they claimed security operatives often arrive only after attacks have ended and lives have been lost.
Many of the women, visibly emotional, decried the recurring attacks on their community, noting that youths, women and the elderly remain vulnerable.
They called on government and security agencies to take urgent steps to end the violence and restore peace.
Some of the protesters who spoke during the demonstration demanded immediate intervention.
“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 operatives of indifference.
“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, Chundung Bot, a women’s leader, 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.
Meanwhile, the National Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwom, has debunked reports circulating on social media alleging that “Berom bandits” were arrested in Danwal, describing the claim as false and misleading.
According to the association, two residents were recently attacked by suspected armed bandits, while local youths who rescued one of the victims were later arrested by security personnel.
The group called for the immediate release of the arrested youths and urged security agencies to focus on apprehending the real perpetrators.
