The United States has expressed support for the federal government’s response to renewed attacks in Plateau State, particularly communities around Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, amid fresh concerns over killings and displacement.
The U.S. government said it would continue working with Nigerian authorities to protect vulnerable communities in the Middle Belt and urged sustained security operations to prevent further attacks.
In a statement, the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs commended Nigeria’s response to the latest violence and called for continued efforts to protect communities in Barkin Ladi.
“We will continue to work with the Nigerian government to protect Christians in the Middle Belt. We urge Nigeria to continue the momentum and defend the Barkin Ladi communities in particular,” the bureau said.
The statement followed a series of attacks reported in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring communities between September 19 and 20, 2026.
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At least nine people were reportedly killed in the incidents, including five passengers travelling towards Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The victims were said to be labourers travelling to the area when they were attacked by gunmen.
Ukasha Garaba, the Pyem Youth Leader in Gana-Ropp, said five bodies were recovered following the attack.
“We evacuated the corpses of five persons from Gana-Ropp. They were passengers who were travelling as labourers,” he said.
Another attack was reported in Dorowa Babuje, also in Barkin Ladi, where two people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed while travelling to church.
The incident triggered renewed tension in the area, with residents reporting gunfire around the Kantoma axis.
Lawrence Shong, a community member, said women and children were moved to safer locations as the violence continued.
“As I speak to you, at about 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, we are still hearing sounds of gunshots. Women and children are currently being evacuated because of the ongoing attack,” he said.
Rwang Tengwong, spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders, called for a sustained security presence in the affected communities.
“Military personnel have been drafted to the community, and what we need now is sustained security deployment to protect the people and prevent further attacks,” he said.
The violence has also extended to other parts of Plateau State. A woman was reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in the Fan District.
Reports also indicate that cattle were killed or stolen around Dorowa Maranba and the Kantoma axis.
