Angry women from the Gashish community in Plateau State destroyed a military checkpoint on Monday during a massive protest. The residents of the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) expressed deep frustration over persistent attacks in their ancestral homes.
The protesters accused security forces of total failure in protecting the lives of innocent citizens. Some emotional women even alleged that security operatives might be collaborating with the armed groups terrorizing the state.
Protesters demand immediate military withdrawal
Visible emotion took over the scene as mothers and widows decried the recurring violence that has left many families broken. The women argued that since the soldiers cannot stop the killings, they should leave the land entirely.
“We are tired of burying our children and husbands,” said Mercy Dachung, a mother of four at the protest. Another resident, Nancy Gyang, accused the military of only arriving at scenes after the killers had already finished their deadly work.
Fresh violence claims six lives in Barkin Ladi
The protest followed a fresh wave of violence on Sunday night, where gunmen killed six people in separate invasions. These attacks forced many residents to flee their homes in fear of further bloodshed in the Riyom and Barkin Ladi areas.
Community leaders stated that they have completely lost confidence in the security presence in the state. They urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to restore peace before the local population is completely wiped out.
