Tensions reached a breaking point in the Gashish community of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Monday, as local women destroyed a military checkpoint during a massive protest.
The demonstration was sparked by persistent violence in the region, with the protesters accusing security forces of failing to protect them and alleging potential complicity with attackers.
The unrest followed a fresh wave of violence in Barkin Ladi and neighboring Riyom Local Government Area late Sunday night, where gunmen reportedly opened fire on residents, killing six people.
The coordinated attacks caused widespread panic and forced many families to flee their homes.
Witnesses stated that the women, moved by years of frustration, vandalized the checkpoint while claiming that security operatives had “lost touch with reality,” allowing armed groups to continue their reign of terror.
Many of the women were visibly emotional as they decried the vulnerability of the elderly, women, and youth.
“We are tired of burying our children and husbands. The soldiers are here, yet we are still dying. If they cannot protect us, they should leave our land,” said Mercy Dachung, a mother of four.
The community’s lack of trust in the military presence was a recurring theme throughout the protest. Nancy Gyang, another protester, accused the operatives of indifference, stating, “Each time we are attacked, we call them. They come after we have counted our losses. Are they with us or with the killers? We removed that checkpoint because it has not stopped the attacks.”
Chundung Bot, a prominent women’s leader in the area, echoed these sentiments, noting that the community has lost all confidence in the security forces.
“They tell us they are here for peace, but there is no peace. Our youths are gone, our elderly are gone, and our farms are no longer safe. We want the government to hear us. We cannot continue like this,” she said.
The protesters are now calling on the federal government and security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to restore peace and stop the recurring bloodshed in the state.
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