Tension escalated in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State as women staged a massive protest against persistent attacks and killings in their communities, leading to the destruction of a military checkpoint.
The protesters, mostly women dressed in black to signify mourning, expressed deep frustration over what they described as the inability of security agencies to protect lives and property despite their presence in the area.
Some accused security operatives of failing to respond swiftly to distress calls during attacks.
The protest followed fresh violence in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring Riyom Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly attacked communities late Sunday night, killing at least six people and forcing many residents to flee their homes.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the attacks have become increasingly frequent, leaving communities in a constant state of fear and uncertainty. Many residents say they have resorted to self-help measures as confidence in security agencies continues to decline.
One of the protesters lamented the repeated cycle of violence, noting that families are constantly burying loved ones with little or no intervention.
The development comes shortly after the Federal Government announced plans to deploy thousands of AI-enabled surveillance cameras in the state as part of efforts to improve security monitoring and response.
Despite these measures, residents insist that immediate and visible action is needed to stop the killings and restore confidence in the system.