A 44-year-old man, Ayuba Choji, has been stabbed to death by suspected Fulani bandits in Plateau State, heightening fears about security in rural communities across the region.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night along the Kumex Mararaba Foron axis of the Heipang Foron road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. According to residents, the area has been increasingly vulnerable to attacks in recent months.
A community leader, Moses Dung, confirmed the attack in an interview on Thursday, explaining that the assailants had previously issued threats and demanded that locals vacate their homes before targeting Choji and his companion.
"Before now, we have been receiving threats to leave our community. And last night, the assailants suddenly emerged from hiding and attacked two people moving on a motorcycle without provocation. They stabbed Ayuba Pam Choji, and sadly, he gave up the ghost," Dung said.
The lone survivor, who was riding with Choji, recounted a harrowing experience. According to Rwang Tengwong, the survivor said the attackers "suddenly emerged from hiding and attacked us without provocation," narrowly escaping with his life.
In response, the Berom Youth Moulders Association, BYM, through its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, condemned the "barbaric and unprovoked act of violence" and called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
"No grievance can justify the taking of innocent lives," the statement read. BYM also expressed concern over the reported movement of Fulani elements in the area, which has created heightened fear among residents across Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu, and Jos South Local Government Areas.
The association urged the Plateau State Government, the Federal Government, and all security formations to act swiftly to prevent further loss of lives. BYM called for intelligence-led patrols, increased security presence in known flashpoints, and protection of farming corridors and rural communities.
The statement reiterated BYM's commitment to peaceful advocacy, truth-telling, and the protection of lives and livelihoods in Plateau State. It also condemned attempts by some quarters to downplay or rationalize such attacks, emphasizing that the killing of innocent people cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Attempts to reach the spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful as his phone appeared to be switched off. However, a source at the police headquarters confirmed that the command is aware of the incident and has commenced an investigation to identify those responsible.
This latest attack comes amid increasing reports of insecurity in Plateau State, where communities have faced repeated incidents of violence, kidnappings, and attacks by suspected Fulani bandits. Residents continue to call for urgent intervention from state and federal authorities to restore safety and prevent further tragedies.
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