Plateau attacks: BYM passes vote of no confidence in OPEP Sector Commander 

The Berom Youth Moulders-Association, BYM, has passed a vote of no confidence on the Commander of the Sector 4 of the Special Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, OPEP, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Col. Victor Asuquo, and the Operations Officer, Captain Bello, following recurring and incessant attacks in the council.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the National Publicity Secretary of BYM, Rwang Tengwong on behalf of the National President, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, the group stated that it was deeply concerned and worried about the deteriorating security situation in Barkin Ladi, as the OPEP troops continue to display incompetence, apathy, and a lack of seriousness in tackling the situation.

The BYM said the decision the failure in addressing the worsening wave of attacks and killings across Barkin Ladi and surrounding communities under their jurisdiction.

“The Association notes with pain and outrage that between April and 9th May, 2026, no fewer than 34 innocent natives have been brutally killed in separate attacks across communities within Sector 4, while over 70 hectares of farmlands have been destroyed by armed Fulani militias, further worsening the humanitarian and economic hardship faced by residents,” the statement reads.

The Association added that it has observed with serious concern that despite the visible presence of security personnel and checkpoints strategically located across Barkin Ladi, attacks have continued unabated, leaving communities vulnerable, helpless, and abandoned to the mercy of armed invaders who move freely from one village to another unleashing terror on defenseless citizens.

“Particularly heartbreaking is the gruesome killing of Mr. Gyang Kim Choji, a patriotic citizen who provided part of his home as accommodation for personnel of the STF stationed in his community. 

“Shockingly, he was slaughtered by suspected Fulani militias just a few metres away from the checkpoint situated directly in front of his house. 

“Rather than demonstrating empathy and professionalism, residents were further devastated after a video circulated on social media showing the Guard Commander at the checkpoint dismissing allegations against Fulani attackers without providing any explanation as to who then carried out the killing.

“The Association further recalls that members of the community had allegedly raised repeated complaints against the conduct and attitude of the said Guard Commander to the Sector Commander on several occasions. 

“These complaints reportedly bordered on threats, intimidation, and unprofessional conduct. 

“Sadly, no action was taken until angry women of the community, who were protesting and demanding the removal of the officer, dismantled the checkpoint on the day Mr. Gyang Kim Choji was buried.

“What appears even more shocking is an alleged statement credited to the Sector Commander, Col. Victor Asuquo, to the effect that the people “will see what will happen in the next two months since they are rejecting the military.” 

“This disturbing statement raises serious concern and leaves room for dangerous interpretations, especially as the security situation has continued to deteriorate since then with little or no visible effort by security personnel to stop the killings.

“Even more alarming is the latest attack currently unfolding in Sabon Layi, in the heart of Barkin Ladi town, where heavily armed terrorists invaded the community in broad daylight, shooting sporadically at residents with little or no meaningful response from security operatives.

“As at 6:15pm today, one woman had reportedly been shot dead, while another victim — a man who sustained severe gunshot injuries — was being rushed to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for emergency medical attention.

“Disturbingly, reports further indicate that as at 7:59pm, simultaneous attacks were being carried out within the central town of Barkin Ladi in areas including Sabon Layi, Rakung, Gangare, and the General Hospital area (Zat and Bet). Residents now live in fear of further attacks as the situation continues to deteriorate before the eyes of security agencies.

“The Berom Youth Moulders-Association states categorically that the continued killings, destruction of property, and occupation of farmlands under the watch of Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace have exposed the apparent failure of the current leadership of the sector to protect lives and property.” 

According to Mwantiri, the BYM demands the immediate redeployment of Col. Asuquo and Captain Bello from the Sector, insisting that the people of Barkin Ladi have completely lost confidence in their ability to secure the area or inspire hope among traumatized communities.

“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 BYM concluded.