Plateau State has been plunged into mourning once again following a devastating attack that claimed six lives in the Berom community. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, has left residents terrified and calling for immediate government intervention.
Community Under Siege
According to eyewitness accounts, armed men suspected to be herdsmen stormed the community in a coordinated assault, catching residents unaware. The attack targeted several villages within the Berom territory, leaving a trail of destruction and despair.
"They came around 2 AM when everyone was sleeping," recounted a survivor who narrowly escaped. "We heard gunshots everywhere, and before we knew it, houses were burning. We ran for our lives into the bush."
Rising Death Toll and Destruction
Local authorities have confirmed that six people lost their lives in the brutal attack, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The assailants also destroyed valuable properties, including:
- Residential buildings set ablaze
- Farmlands completely destroyed
- Livestock killed or stolen
- Personal belongings looted
Community Leaders Sound Alarm
Berom community leaders have expressed outrage over the recurring attacks, describing the situation as "a systematic attempt to displace indigenous communities." They have appealed to both state and federal governments to deploy more security personnel to vulnerable areas.
"This is not the first time our people are being attacked in their own land," stated a community elder. "We need permanent security solutions, not just temporary measures after the damage has been done."
Security Response and Investigation
Security agencies have been deployed to the affected areas to restore order and prevent further attacks. The Plateau State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Military checkpoints have been reinforced along major routes, while patrols have been intensified in flashpoint communities. However, residents complain that these measures often come too late to prevent the bloodshed.
Pattern of Violence Continues
This latest incident adds to the growing list of violent attacks in Plateau State, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current security arrangements. The Middle Belt region has experienced recurring clashes between farmers and herders, often resulting in tragic loss of lives and properties.
Human rights organizations have called for urgent action to address the root causes of these conflicts, including land disputes, economic pressures, and political tensions.
As the community buries its dead and tends to the wounded, questions remain about when the cycle of violence in Plateau State will finally be broken.
