The Gashish community in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, erupted in chaos on Monday as a massive crowd of local women dismantled and destroyed a military checkpoint.
The demonstration served as a visceral expression of fury over a perceived failure by security forces to stop the persistent cycle of violence and killings plaguing the region.
The unrest was triggered by a fresh wave of attacks on Sunday night across Barkin Ladi and neighbouring Riyom, where gunmen reportedly murdered six people.
In the wake of the bloodshed, the women alleged that the military presence has become ineffective, with some even questioning the neutrality of the operatives stationed in the area.
Visibly distraught protesters argued that the security personnel are often unresponsive during active raids, arriving only after the damage has been done and lives have been lost.
Mercy Dachung, a mother of four participating in the protest, voiced the collective exhaustion of the community, stating that residents are tired of burying their loved ones while soldiers remain nearby.
She suggested that if the military cannot guarantee safety, they should vacate the area entirely.
This sentiment was echoed by Nancy Gyang, who noted that the checkpoint was removed specifically because its presence had failed to deter the the invaders.
Community leaders, including Chundung Bot, emphasised that the lack of security has decimated the local population and paralysed the the economy, as farming has become too dangerous to pursue.
The women demanded that the government shou beyond rhetoric and implement immediate, tangible measures to restore peace before the community is completely uprooted.
Amidst tensions, Berom Youth Moulders Association addressed reports circulating on social media regarding the arrest of local individuals.
The association’s spokesperson, Rwang Te, dismissed claims that “Berom bandits” had been apprehended, labelling such information as a smear campaign.
He clarified that security forces actually arrested local youths after they attempted to rescue two residents from an ambush by armed bandits.
The association is now demanding the unconditional release of these youths, urging the military to shift its focus toward the actual perpetrators of the Sunday night massacre.
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