Youths protest killing of 3 vigilantes in Barkin Ladi, Plateau

From Jude Owuamanam, Jos

There was a massive protest by Berom youths on Friday, following the killing of three members of a vigilante group in the Gassa community of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Among the victims was the youth leader of the community. The attackers were said to have stormed the community at about 1a.m., and shot sporadically, killing the three vigilantes who were on duty.

The killing of the vigilantes sparked anger among residents, particularly women and youths, who took to the streets and blocked the major highway linking the community with Mangu. The protesters demanded improved security in their community.

They called on soldiers stationed in the area to leave the community, expressing frustration over the repeated attacks despite the presence of security personnel.

John Dung, a resident of the community, told newsmen that the victims were members of the local vigilante group, who had been involved in community guards to ward of invaders. Another resident, Mrs. Esther Pam, decried the killings. She said the residents were tired of losing their loved ones to attacks.

“We are tired of people being killed and security operatives would just sit and do nothing. We urge them to go after their attackers,” she said.

National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, described the killings as disturbing.

According to him, “The saddest part is that the victims were killed while protecting their community and their death has further heightened fear among residents.

“The killing is a serious setback to local efforts to protect residents as vigilantes have been contributing to the security of the community by keeping watch and responding to threats.”

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