BARKIN LADI — A midnight invasion of Pwomol Village in the Heipang District has left two local youths dead and another fighting for his life in a hospital. This marks the second time in just one week that the Heipang community has been targeted by armed attackers.
The assault, which occurred around midnight on Monday, April 6, 2026, targeted community members who were keeping watch to protect their homes. While the gunmen attempted to vanish into the darkness after the killings, one of the attackers, identified as Suleiman, a Fulani man from the Fass community in Riyom LGA, was caught alive.
Caught Red-Handed
The suspect was apprehended around 1:00 a.m. near the Redemption Camp area between Heipang and Kassa. According to witnesses, he was found with fresh bloodstains on his body. He is currently being held at the Sector 4 security base in Barkin Ladi, where he is expected to undergo interrogation.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), led by Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, has called for a transparent investigation. The group is demanding that the suspect be made to reveal his accomplices and the location of their hideouts to prevent further bloodshed in Berom land.
A Pattern of Violence
This latest tragedy follows an attack on April 1 that claimed the life of a student at the Plateau State Polytechnic. Residents are now living in constant fear as the “hit-and-run” raids on agrarian communities continue to bypass traditional security measures.
While the BYM praised the quick intervention of the Special Task Force, “Operation Enduring Peace,” they warned that the government must do more than just react to killings. They are calling for a permanent security presence in these flashpoints to protect farmers and their properties.
As of Monday morning, the Heipang-Kassa axis remains under heavy security watch. For the families of the two deceased youths, the capture of one suspect is a small step toward justice, but the fear of a retaliatory strike still hangs heavy over the village.
