Tension in Plateau as protesters burn military checkpoint over killing of resident

There was fresh tension in Kassa community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Sunday night after angry residents attacked soldiers and set a military checkpoint ablaze following the burial of a community member allegedly killed by armed men.

Security sources cited by counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama said the incident occurred around 11:40pm when a mob stormed the checkpoint at Rapung Kassa, destroying makeshift structures and equipment used by troops deployed in the area.

The unrest reportedly erupted during the burial ceremony of one Gyang Nuhu Choji, who was said to have been killed on April 16 by unidentified gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits operating in the area.

Witnesses said the protesters, made up of youths and women, accused security operatives of failing to prevent repeated attacks in the community, alleging that the presence of soldiers had not translated into effective protection for residents.

The angry crowd also blocked access roads during the protest, temporarily disrupting movement in and out of the community before the route was later reopened following intervention by local leaders and assurances from security authorities.

Makama reported that calm was eventually restored after discussions between community stakeholders and security officials, who promised to review the situation to prevent further escalation.

Security sources confirmed that no casualties were recorded during the incident, adding that surveillance and patrol operations had been intensified in the area.

The publication noted that the unrest is part of a broader pattern of violent incidents and counter-operations in parts of Barkin Ladi and surrounding local government areas.

In earlier incidents, troops had reportedly conducted operations in Ariri and Kwasha in Bassa Local Government Area following clashes between armed groups, recovering a missing herder’s body and 32 cattle.

Military operations also extended to Ungwan Doki in Riyom LGA, where four suspected migrants were arrested during a raid on an illegal camp.

On April 12, troops reportedly restored calm after a clash in Rakum, Barkin Ladi, where several people were injured and one suspect was arrested.

Security forces also foiled attempted attacks along the Rasa and Hukke–Rewienko axis, rescuing victims, while separate operations in Kpashio led to the recovery of 92 cattle allegedly linked to rustling activities.

However, Makama also reported deadly confrontations involving armed militia groups in the region, including a gun battle in Barkin Ladi in which five suspected attackers were killed by troops.

According to the report, the bodies of the deceased were later buried by community members under circumstances that raised further concerns among security observers.

On April 18, 2026, troops reportedly arrested nine suspected militia members linked to targeted killings in the area. Those arrested were identified as residents of Danwal community.

Security operatives said several weapons and items were recovered from the suspects, including motorcycles, a pistol, a submachine gun, locally fabricated rifles, and ammunition.

Further reports indicated continued violence in the area, including alleged cattle poisoning incidents in Rakum village, Kassa District, where livestock were said to have died or fallen critically ill following suspected attacks by youths.