KEY POINTS
- Nine people were killed in separate attacks over five days.
- Victims include a pregnant woman and four young men.
- Security agencies urged to intervene before residents resort to self-defence.
The Butura community in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State is demanding justice after nine residents were killed over five days, calling for urgent intervention to stop the violence.
Armed attack at mining site leaves four dead, five injured
In a statement released by Sabastine Magit, president of the Butura Youth Movement (BYM), the community expressed outrage and urged authorities to act swiftly. The statement, shared with journalists over the weekend in Jos, detailed two brutal attacks that have devastated the area.
On Oct. 10, armed attackers opened fire on young men working at a mining site near the villages of Kuba and Maikatako, killing four and injuring five others. The attack took place around 9 p.m., according to the statement.
Days earlier, on Oct. 7, five members of a family, including a pregnant woman, were killed in an unprovoked attack in Wumat village. The community says it has lost more than 20 residents to violence in the past month alone.
The Oct. 10 victims were identified as Bwefuk Musa, 21; Klingshak Dickson, 21; Promise Joshua, 20; and Nyam Abaka, 20. All were described as innocent youths caught in the escalating violence.
Calls for self-defence grow as authorities are urged to act quickly
The BYM condemned the attacks, blaming organized tribal groups for targeting the community without provocation. Magit warned that residents might be forced to resort to self-defence if authorities fail to act.
According to a report by BusinessDay, similar violence has hit nearby communities, including Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Bassa, where residents have been killed in their homes without warning.
“The time for action is now,” Magit said, calling for a coordinated response from security agencies. “If we remain silent, we may lose more lives.”
As the community mourns its losses, residents are demanding justice and protection. With attacks continuing, many fear the violence will persist unless authorities intervene quickly.
