Plateau Women Protest After Fresh Attacks Leave Six Dead 

Summary: Women in Plateau State protested ongoing attacks after gunmen killed six people, accusing security forces of failing to protect their communities.

Angry women from the Gashish community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on April 20, 2026, staged a mass protest over persistent attacks in their communities. The protesters, who turned out in large numbers, accused security forces of failing to protect residents and noted possible complicity with attackers. 

In a video circulating online, many of the women, visibly distressed, decried recurring attacks, noting that youths, women and the elderly remain highly vulnerable.

The protest followed renewed attacks in parts of Barkin Ladi and neighbouring Riyom, where gunmen reportedly stormed communities on April 19, 2026, killing six persons. The attack, which occurred at separate locations, triggered panic and forced many to flee their homes.

They expressed frustration over repeatedly burying their children and husbands, stressing that despite the presence of soldiers, residents continued to die and insisting that security forces should leave if they cannot provide protection. They also accused security operatives of indifference, noting that they had lost touch with reality while armed groups continued to terrorise residents.

Protesters carried placards with various inscriptions, openly condemning both the government and the military for what they described as a failure to protect lives and property. The women called on authorities to take urgent steps to end the violence, improve security, and restore peace to affected communities.