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Some residents of Kassa community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday attacked soldiers and set a military checkpoint ablaze following the burial of a resident reportedly killed by gunmen.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:40 p.m. on Monday when a crowd stormed a checkpoint at Rapung Kassa, destroying the facility, including makeshift structures and equipment used by troops deployed in the area.
Makama reported that the unrest erupted during the burial of one Gyang Nuhu Choji, who was said to have been killed on April 16 by unidentified armed men suspected to be Fulani bandits operating within the area.
Witnesses, according to the report, said the protesters—comprising youths and women—accused security operatives of failing to prevent repeated attacks in the community, alleging that the presence of troops had not translated into adequate protection for residents.
The report indicated that the angry mob blocked access roads during the protest, temporarily disrupting movement in and out of the area before the routes were later reopened to motorists following intervention by local stakeholders and assurances from security representatives.
Calm was eventually restored after discussions between community leaders and security authorities, with assurances that the situation would be reassessed to prevent further escalation.
Security sources confirmed that no casualties were recorded during the incident, adding that surveillance and patrol operations have been intensified in the area to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
The publication further noted that security assessments point to a recurring pattern of violence involving bandits and militia groups within the affected areas.
Makama reported that the recent wave of attacks could be traced to April 13, when troops, following a series of violent clashes, conducted search operations in Ariri and Kwasha in Bassa Local Government Area in search of a missing herder.
The herder’s body was later discovered, while troops also recovered 32 cattle during the operation.
Troops were also said to have raided an illegal camp in Ungwan Doki, Riyom Local Government Area, where four suspected migrants were arrested.
Earlier, on April 12, troops restored calm after a clash in Rakum, Barkin Ladi LGA, where several people were injured and one suspect was arrested.
Makama added that troops foiled attacks in Rasa and along the Hukke–Rewienko road, rescuing victims, and later prevented cattle rustling in Kpashio, where 92 cattle were recovered while the owner was either killed or fled.
However, within the same period, the report indicated that armed Berom militia engaged troops in a heavy gun battle in Barkin Ladi, during which five of the attackers were killed.
The report stated that the bodies of the নিহত attackers were quickly buried by members of the community to avoid scrutiny over their identities.
On April 18, 2026, troops intercepted and arrested nine suspected Berom militia members allegedly involved in targeted killings in the area.
Those arrested were identified as Gyang Dantoro, Samson Davou, Choji Yakubu, Vincent Adamu, Pam Dalyop, Femi Badung, Jacob Musa, and Choji Chaga, all said to be residents of Danwal and of Berom extraction.
Items reportedly recovered from the suspects included three motorcycles, one pistol, one submachine gun, one locally made revolver rifle, 20 rounds of pistol ammunition, and a locally fabricated rifle.
The report further stated that on April 19, nine cattle were confirmed dead while three others were left in critical condition following suspected poisoning allegedly carried out by some youths in Rakum village, Kassa District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
NAN
