The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) has raised concerns over the effectiveness of the 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew imposed in parts of Plateau State following renewed attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The association said the attacks on Rakwok, Bet, Razat, Gassa and Rakung communities on Monday night occurred despite the restriction and security measures announced by the Plateau State Government.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, on Tuesday, BYM said the situation had raised concerns about the safety of residents who complied with the curfew.
The association particularly mourned the death of 22-year-old Henry Elisha, a resident of Rakwok, who it said was killed during the attacks.
BYM said Elisha was a young husband and father of two, adding that his death had left his family facing life without their breadwinner.
The association also alleged that commuters were ambushed on Tuesday along the Barkin Ladi-Bokkos and Barkin Ladi-Gashish roads.
It further said violence occurred during Elisha’s burial at Rakwok, where mourners, including the BYM National President, were allegedly trapped as gunfire was exchanged between security personnel and attackers.
According to the association, the incidents had highlighted the need for a review of the implementation of the curfew and broader security measures in the affected communities.
“The people of Plateau State do not need a curfew that merely restricts their movement; they need a security strategy that restricts the movement and operational freedom of the attackers,” BYM said.
The group called on security agencies to intensify operations around areas it described as suspected terrorist enclaves, hideouts and access routes from which attacks are allegedly launched.
It also demanded sustained security presence along the Barkin Ladi-Bokkos and Barkin Ladi-Gashish roads, particularly during vulnerable hours.
BYM further called for intelligence-led operations to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attacks, as well as improved protection for communities and people attending funerals and other essential gatherings.
The association urged the Plateau State Government, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and other security and intelligence agencies to treat the renewed attacks as an urgent threat to rural communities.
It said it remained committed to peace and peaceful coexistence but stressed that residents should be able to live in their homes, travel on roads, farm their lands and bury their dead without fear of attacks.
