(8 victims laid to rest. Photo Credit: Vanguard News)
Eight victims of a deadly attack on Gwon-Ajang village in Foron District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, were laid to rest on Monday evening in an emotionally charged ceremony attended by family members, community leaders, religious figures, and sympathisers.
More than 15 others were reportedly injured in the attack by gunmen, which has further deepened concerns over the persistent insecurity plaguing parts of the state.
Speaking at the burial, former House of Representatives member Hon. Peter Gyendeng, who represented the Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, gave voice to the exhaustion felt by affected communities.
He stressed that residents had consistently chosen peace and had never initiated aggression against neighbouring communities, yet continued to suffer unprovoked attacks.
He called on security agencies and government authorities to take immediate action to end the cycle of violence and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
Also reacting, Hon. Ishaya David Lalu, representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, described the killings as painful, heartbreaking, and unacceptable, urging security forces to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and bring those responsible to justice.
Meanwhile, the National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, raised alarm over the inadequate security presence in rural areas, noting that many communities are left to rely on poorly equipped local vigilante groups against heavily armed attackers.
He called on the federal government to deploy more security personnel to at-risk communities, seek international collaboration in tackling terrorism, and break what he described as a troubling silence in the face of repeated attacks on indigenous communities.
