By Golok Nanmwa, JOS
Angry women from Gashish community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Monday, destroyed a military checkpoint during a mass protest over persistent attacks in their area.
The protesters accused security forces of failing to protect residents and alleged possible collaboration with attackers.
Sources said the women, who came out in large numbers, vandalised the checkpoint as they expressed frustration over the continued violence in the community.
They alleged that security operatives had “lost touch with reality”, allowing armed groups to continue inflicting hardship on residents.
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.
The protest followed renewed attacks in parts of Barkin Ladi and neighbouring Riyom Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly invaded communities and opened fire on residents late Sunday night, killing six persons.
Residents said the incidents, which occurred at separate locations, caused panic and forced many to flee their homes.
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.
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