Plateau Killings: Berom Youths Pass Vote of No Confidence on OPEP Sector Commander

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The Berom Youth Moulders-Association, BYM, has passed a vote of no confidence on the Sector 4 Commander of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Col. Victor Asuquo, and the sector’s Operations Officer, Captain Bello, over the continued wave of attacks and killings in the area.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the National Publicity Secretary of BYM, Rwang Tengwong, on behalf of the association’s National President, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, the group expressed deep concern over what it described as the worsening security situation in Barkin Ladi, accusing security operatives of incompetence, apathy, and lack of commitment in addressing the crisis.

The association said the decision followed the alleged failure of the military authorities to curb persistent attacks and killings across communities within Sector 4’s jurisdiction.

According to the statement, no fewer than 34 people were killed in separate attacks between April and May 9, 2026, while more than 70 hectares of farmlands were reportedly destroyed by suspected armed Fulani militias, worsening the hardship faced by residents.

BYM lamented that despite the presence of security personnel and checkpoints across Barkin Ladi, attacks have continued unabated, leaving residents vulnerable to repeated invasions by armed assailants.

The association particularly condemned the killing of Mr. Gyang Kim Choji, described as a patriotic resident who had offered part of his home to accommodate STF personnel stationed in the community.

According to BYM, Choji was allegedly killed by suspected Fulani attackers only a few metres away from a military checkpoint located directly opposite his residence.

The group further alleged that residents were angered after a video surfaced online showing a guard commander at the checkpoint dismissing claims that Fulani militias were responsible for the killing without clarifying who carried out the attack.

BYM claimed that several complaints had earlier been lodged against the officer over alleged intimidation, threats, and unprofessional conduct, but no disciplinary action was taken.

The association said tensions escalated after women in the community protesting the officer’s conduct dismantled the checkpoint on the day Choji was buried.

The group also expressed concern over an alleged remark credited to Col. Asuquo suggesting that residents “will see what will happen in the next two months since they are rejecting the military.”

BYM described the statement as disturbing and capable of generating dangerous interpretations amid the deteriorating security situation.

The association also raised alarm over fresh attacks reportedly carried out on Saturday in parts of Barkin Ladi town, including Sabon Layi, Rakung, Gangare, and areas around the General Hospital.

According to the statement, armed attackers invaded Sabon Layi in broad daylight, opening fire on residents. One woman was reportedly killed, while another victim sustained severe gunshot injuries and was rushed to the Jos University Teaching Hospital for treatment.

BYM maintained that the continued killings, destruction of property, and occupation of farmlands under the watch of Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace have exposed what it called the failure of the current leadership to protect lives and property.

The association demanded the immediate redeployment of Col. Asuquo and Captain Bello, insisting that residents of Barkin Ladi had lost confidence in their ability to secure the area.

“The lives of the people of Barkin Ladi matter, and no community should continue to bury its people daily while security checkpoints merely count casualties after every attack,” the statement added.