.jpeg)
Date: September 26, 2026
Reporter: Emilly Jordan
At least seven people, including two miners, have reportedly been killed in separate attacks across parts of Plateau State, Nigeria within two days, while more than 20 hectares of farmland were destroyed, according to the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM).
The association disclosed the casualties and destruction in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, on Saturday, saying the incidents had left families grieving and communities increasingly concerned about their safety. The reported casualties and farmland destruction had not been independently confirmed by security authorities at the time of reporting.
According to the BYM, 25-year-old Phillip Luka and 34-year-old Sunday John were killed on September 23 at a mining site in Kworos Gangare, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The association also reported that farmlands in Jol in Riyom, Exland in Gashish, Rapwomol and Dorowa Babuje were destroyed on the same day. It said the destruction had affected the livelihoods of farming families and could have consequences for local food security.
The group said further killings occurred on September 24. Two people were reportedly killed at Nghar, Exland, in Gashish District, while three others were killed at Gassa in Barkin Ladi.
The three victims at Gassa were identified as 47-year-old Ishaya Pam Dung, a married father of two; 23-year-old Barnabas Gyang Jack, who was married and had one child; and 26-year-old Manasseh Luka Mushwer.
The reported death toll from the incidents therefore stands at seven, comprising the two miners killed at Kworos Gangare, two people killed at Nghar, Exland, and three at Gassa.
The BYM expressed concern that the attacks occurred despite a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew imposed in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu local government areas. The association questioned the effectiveness of existing security measures and called on authorities to take immediate steps to prevent further attacks.
Rather than relying primarily on responses after attacks occur, the group urged security agencies to conduct credible intelligence operations aimed at identifying and dismantling what it described as criminal hideouts and operational enclaves. It also identified several locations, including areas around Fass, Mahanga, Bangai and Lugere, which it said should receive security attention based on intelligence available to the group.
The association called on the government to treat the reported destruction of farmland as a serious food-security concern. It requested an assessment of the affected farms and meaningful assistance for families who have lost crops and sources of income.
The BYM also appealed to the National Assembly, the National Human Rights Commission, humanitarian organisations and international bodies to monitor the security and humanitarian situation in Plateau State and support efforts to protect civilians, restore livelihoods and pursue accountability.
The latest reports come amid continuing insecurity in parts of Plateau State. SaharaReporters reported that six people were killed in an attack on the Ikn'gwakap community in Mushere Chiefdom, Bokkos Local Government Area, on September 14, while a Plateau State House of Assembly member was abducted from his home in Jos North earlier in September.
The Berom association said communities should be able to live in their homes, travel freely, farm their land and conduct legitimate businesses without fear. It warned that continued loss of life and destruction of farmland could deepen hardship for affected households.
Security authorities had not independently confirmed the seven deaths or the reported extent of farmland destruction when the reports were published. Investigations and calls for stronger security measures remain ongoing.