Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.
Youths in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday staged a protest, blocking a major highway in Jos to demand justice following the killing of 10 community members in a fresh wave of violence that has unsettled Nigeria’s North-Central region. The demonstrators barricaded sections of the Jos–Barkin Ladi highway, disrupting traffic and calling on security agencies and government authorities to take decisive action against those responsible for the attack. Eyewitnesses said the protest was largely driven by anger and frustration over recurring insecurity in the area, which has witnessed repeated clashes and targeted assaults over the years.Community leaders confirmed that the victims were killed in an overnight attack on a settlement in Barkin Ladi, an area that has long been at the epicenter of farmer-herder tensions and broader communal conflicts in Plateau State. While details surrounding the identities of the attackers remain under investigation, residents insist that urgent intervention is needed to prevent further escalation.Security operatives were reportedly deployed to restore calm and reopen the highway, urging protesters to maintain peace while investigations continue. Officials of the Plateau State Government have yet to issue a detailed public statement at the time of filing this report, but local authorities are said to be coordinating with security agencies to stabilise the area. Plateau State, particularly Barkin Ladi and neighbouring communities in Riyom and Mangu, has experienced cycles of violence linked to disputes over land use, ethnic tensions, and criminal activity. Despite ongoing military and police operations, including the presence of special task forces, communities continue to report sporadic attacks and reprisals. National and international media outlets, including the BBC News, Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Channels Television, have previously documented the protracted security challenges in Plateau State, highlighting the human toll and the urgent need for sustainable conflict resolution frameworks. Civil society groups have repeatedly called for strengthened intelligence gathering, community dialogue initiatives, and prosecution of perpetrators to break the cycle of impunity. Analysts argue that without comprehensive policy reforms addressing land governance, security sector accountability, and socio-economic grievances, violence in Plateau may persist.As tensions simmer, residents of Barkin Ladi say their immediate demand is clear: justice for the 10 slain community members and concrete measures to safeguard lives and property. For many in Plateau, the protest reflects a broader cry for security, accountability, and lasting peace in one of Nigeria’s most volatile regions. Sources: BBC News; Reuters; Al Jazeera; Channels Television.
Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.
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