The United States has expressed support for Nigeria’s efforts to address renewed violence in Plateau State, particularly in communities around Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The U.S. Bureau of African Affairs said the United States would continue working with the Nigerian government to protect Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
It also urged Nigerian authorities to sustain security operations following a series of attacks that reportedly left at least nine people dead and displaced residents in parts of Plateau State.
“The United States commends Nigeria’s strong response to the latest attacks from Fulani militant groups,” the bureau 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 statement came amid renewed violence reported between September 19 and 20 in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and surrounding communities.
Five passengers travelling to Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi were reportedly killed when their vehicle was attacked. Community sources said the victims were labourers heading to the area for work.
Ukasha Garaba, the Pyem Youth Leader in Gana-Ropp, confirmed that five bodies had been recovered.
“We evacuated the corpses of five persons from Gana-Ropp. They were passengers who were travelling as labourers,” he said.
In another incident at Dorowa Babuje, also in Barkin Ladi, two people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed while travelling to church.
A woman was also reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in Fan District.
The attacks heightened tension in the affected communities, with residents reporting continued gunfire and women and children reportedly moving to safer locations.
Rwang Tengwong, spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders, called for sustained security deployment in the affected communities.
He said military personnel had been deployed but stressed the need for continued protection to prevent further attacks.
The violence also affected livestock. Several cattle were 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 reports of cattle being stolen and called on security agencies to investigate.
The renewed violence followed other attacks in Plateau State, including the reported killing of nine passengers at Dungus Junction in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area, earlier in September.
Further attacks have also been reported in Mangu and Riyom, increasing concerns over the safety of rural communities and travellers.
The Plateau State Government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu following the renewed attacks. Security agencies have also continued operations in affected areas.
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Governor Caleb Mutfwang has repeatedly said his administration is working with security agencies to protect residents and confront those responsible for the attacks.
Following the latest killings, the governor reiterated his commitment to protecting Plateau residents.
“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,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria cautioned 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 and later died from injuries sustained in the attack.
The latest incidents have renewed concerns over security in Plateau State, where recurring attacks and retaliatory violence have continued to affect communities, travellers, farmers and herders.
