BARKIN LADI, PLATEAU STATE — By Prime Brief Media
Gunmen have attacked Ra Kung village in Ropp District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State in the early hours of Friday, April 24, 2026, leaving one resident critically injured and destroying over 15 hectares of farmland cultivated with various cash crops.
The Berom Youth Moulders Association, through its National Publicity Secretary Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attack to journalists in Jos on Friday. According to the association, the assailants invaded the peaceful community at approximately 1:00 a.m., catching residents off guard.
"As a result of this heinous assault, one person sustained critical injuries and is currently receiving medical attention. In addition, over 15 hectares of farmland cultivated with various cash crops were deliberately destroyed by the attackers," Tengwong stated.
BYM strongly condemned the attack, describing it as part of a sustained pattern of violence aimed at displacing indigenous communities, destroying their means of livelihood, and instilling fear among the people. The association emphasised that the destruction of farmlands at a time when citizens are striving to ensure food security was "a direct attack on the economic survival" of affected families and the community at large.
The group called on security agencies to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face justice. "It is unacceptable that such acts continue to occur with little or no consequence for those responsible," the statement added.
BYM further urged government at all levels to intensify efforts in protecting vulnerable communities, particularly in Barkin Ladi and other parts of Plateau State under persistent threat. The association also appealed to humanitarian agencies and relevant authorities to provide immediate support to those affected, especially in the areas of medical care and agricultural recovery.
In a separate but related development, the association disclosed that one person was reported missing on Friday morning. Details surrounding the disappearance remain unclear, and it is not yet confirmed whether the missing individual is connected to the overnight attack.
Ra Kung village lies within a region that has endured repeated cycles of violence in recent years, with farming communities frequently targeted by armed groups. The destruction of crops and farmland represents a particularly devastating blow to rural households that depend almost entirely on subsistence agriculture for their survival.
As of the time of this report, the Plateau State Police Command and the Operation Safe Haven military task force had not issued official statements on the attack. Prime Brief Media has reached out to security spokespersons for comment and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
#PlateauState #BarkinLadi #FoodSecurity #Insecurity #FarmlandDestruction #CommunityAlert #PrimeBriefMedia