US commends Nigeria’s ‘strong response’ to militia attacks, seeks protection for Plateau communities

The United States has commended Nigeria’s response to recent attacks in the Middle Belt.

The US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, in an X post on Tuesday, also urged the federal government to sustain efforts to protect communities in Barkin Ladi LGA 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.”

Nigeria’s Middle Belt, particularly the north-central region comprising Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau among others has witnessed varying levels of armed attacks, kidnapping, communal violence and farmer-herder conflicts in recent months.

The US comment comes amid renewed insecurity in parts of the country, particularly among communities in Barkin Ladi, where a series of attacks and reprisals have been reported in recent months.

On September 27, six people were killed and two others injured after gunmen attacked a mining site in Lajam Marit village, Ropp district, Barkin Ladi.

The victims were reportedly shot dead at the site, while the two injured persons were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Five days earlier, the Plateau government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs following a series of attacks, attempted attacks and reprisals. Residents were ordered to remain indoors between 6pm and 6am until further notice.

The curfew followed an incident in which a resident, Andy Samuel, a priest, was reportedly shot dead at Marit Junction, while another person sustained injuries.

Troops later came under attack after leaving the hospital, with the assailants suspected of carrying out retaliatory strikes following earlier violence in parts of Barkin Ladi.

On September 20, at least five Fulani men were reportedly killed after suspected Berom militias attacked their vehicle in Barkin Ladi.

The victims were travelling to a market in Jos South when their vehicle came under attack near a security checkpoint. The assailants reportedly opened fire, killing all five occupants.

On September 10, two people were killed after suspected armed militia attacked Fulani herders along the Jong-Nyeriwei road and in Dorowa Babuje community, also in Barkin Ladi.

One of the victims was identified as 19-year-old Ishaku Yakubu, while another man, identified as Andata, was reportedly shot dead around Marit Junction in Dorowa Babuje. Several cattle were also reportedly rustled during the attacks.

The attacks have heightened security concerns in Barkin Ladi and other parts of Plateau, with authorities deploying troops and imposing restrictions in some affected areas to prevent further violence and reprisals.