US Commends federal government’s Response to Middle Belt Attacks, Urges Protection Of Plateau Communities

The United States has commended the federal government’s response to recent attacks in the Middle Belt, while urging authorities to sustain efforts to protect communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs made the position known in a post on X on Tuesday, amid renewed violence and retaliatory attacks in parts of Plateau State.

“The United States commends Nigeria’s strong response to the latest attacks from Fulani militant groups,” the bureau said.

It added, “We will continue to work with the Nigerian government to protect Christians in the Middle Belt.”

The US government further urged Nigeria to sustain its security efforts, particularly in Barkin Ladi.

“We urge Nigeria to continue the momentum and defend the Barkin Ladi communities in particular,” it said.

The statement came  against the backdrop of a renewed cycle of attacks and reprisals in parts of Plateau State, particularly Barkin Ladi, where several people have been killed in recent weeks.

On September 26, at least five people were killed and two others injured when gunmen attacked a mining site in Marit village, Barkin Ladi. Some reports put the death toll at six. Security sources said troops of Operation Enduring Peace responded to the incident and evacuated the injured victims for medical treatment.

The attack came days after the Plateau State Government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas following a series of attacks, attempted attacks and reprisals.

Under the restriction, residents were directed to remain indoors between 6pm and 6am until further notice.

The latest violence has heightened concerns over the security of residents, farmers, miners and other communities in the affected areas.

Earlier in September, at least five Fulani men were reportedly killed after suspected Berom militias attacked their vehicle in Barkin Ladi.

The victims were said to have been travelling to a market in Jos South when their vehicle came under attack near a security checkpoint.

Another attack reported on September 10 left two people dead after suspected armed militia attacked Fulani herders along the Jong-Nyeriwei road and in Dorowa Babuje community.

One of the victims was identified as 19-year-old Ishaku Yakubu, while another man, identified as Andata, was reportedly shot dead around Marit Junction in Dorowa Babuje. Several cattle were also reportedly rustled.

The repeated attacks have raised fears of further reprisals, with security forces deploying troops and increasing patrols across affected communities.

The General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Maj.-Gen. W.M. Dangana, also held a stakeholders’ meeting in Barkin Ladi following the latest killings as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence.

The US’ latest statement signals continued attention to the security situation in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, particularly the protection of vulnerable communities and efforts to prevent the cycle of attacks and reprisals from escalating.