Sadness as eight victims of Plateau attack buried together

Grief and anger filled Gwon-Ajang village in Foron District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday. Eight victims of a recent attack by gunmen were buried in a mass grave.

Family members, community leaders, religious leaders, and sympathisers came together for the emotional ceremony. They mourned those who lost their lives during the attack on the community that happened between Saturday and Sunday.

More than 15 people were reportedly injured in the attack. This has raised more worries about the ongoing insecurity in Plateau State.

At the burial, Hon. Peter Gyendeng, a former member of the House of Representatives for Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, expressed sadness over the repeated attacks. He talked about the ongoing loss of lives in affected communities.

“We are sick and tired of being killed. We have been living in peace and have tried everything humanly possible not to engage anybody,” he said.

“We have never crossed into another community to attack anyone, yet these things continue to happen to us daily.”

Gyendeng showed his frustration over the failure of authorities to stop the violence, even though the residents want peace.

“It is painful. People stay in their communities, and somebody comes to attack and kill them. You cannot even celebrate one good thing without fear. For how long will people continue to live this kind of life?” he asked.

He called on security agencies and government officials to take strong actions to stop the attacks and make sure those responsible are caught and punished.

Another voice was Ishaya David Lalu, who represents Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. He called the killings in Foron and other recent attacks in Plateau State tragic and unacceptable.

“I am deeply saddened by the continuous loss of innocent lives in our communities,” he said.

“These attacks are not only cruel but also a direct assault on our shared humanity and peaceful coexistence as a people.”

Lalu urged security agencies to work harder to protect weak communities and bring the attackers to justice.

The national president of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Dalyop Mwantiri, also spoke out. He said many rural communities are vulnerable to attacks because of the lack of security presence.

He pointed out that residents mostly rely on local vigilante groups that do not have the proper equipment to face armed attackers.

Mwantiri urged the Federal Government to send more security personnel to the areas at risk. He warned that not acting could leave residents open to armed attackers.

He also criticized what he called a “conspiracy of silence” regarding the ongoing attacks on local communities. He asked the authorities to strengthen security in the affected regions.

Mwantiri appealed to the Federal Government to look for international help in dealing with insecurity and terrorism in the state.