Outrage in Plateau as Dorowa Babuje residents shut down Jos–Shendam road after deadly attack

Youths in Dorowa Babuje, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Monday blocked the busy Jos–Shendam highway following the killing of nine community members by suspected gunmen.

The victims were reportedly attacked late Sunday night at a bar situated along the highway, an incident that triggered widespread anger across the community. In response, youths, women, and other sympathisers barricaded the road, halting traffic and demanding swift justice for those killed.

Security operatives under Operation Enduring Peace were deployed to the area to restore order and reopen the highway to motorists. Despite the deployment, protesters vowed not to leave the scene until authorities take concrete steps to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attack.

One of the demonstrators, Samson Godiya, lamented what he described as persistent violence against the community.

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“Our people have endured repeated attacks for years. How long will this continue without decisive action? We are tired of assurances from government and security agencies that never seem to stop the killings,” he said.

He questioned the effectiveness of security presence in the area, noting that residents struggle to understand how such incidents continue to occur despite ongoing operations.

The latest killings add to a troubling pattern of violence in parts of Plateau, particularly in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring Riyom Local Government Areas, where several communities have experienced repeated assaults, leading to deaths and displacement.

Rwang Tengwong of the Berom Youth Moulders Association confirmed that nine bodies were recovered after the Sunday night attack. Reports indicate that between Friday and Sunday, at least 12 people lost their lives in separate incidents across the two LGAs.

Spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, confirmed the attacks and appealed for calm, assuring residents that efforts were underway to track down the perpetrators.

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Attempts to get a reaction from the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful as of the time this report was filed.

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