The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) and the Plateau State Police Command have offered differing accounts of an alleged attack during a mass burial held at Nding Sesut Community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, the association criticised the police for dismissing reports of violence linked to the burial ceremony, insisting that an attempted attack occurred during the event.
BYM acknowledged the presence and efforts of security personnel at the burial but maintained that “there was indeed an attempted attack during the mass burial ceremony at Nding Sesut.”
According to the group, some of its officials, including the National President, attended the burial and witnessed the incident firsthand.
The association also clarified that seven persons — not five as previously reported — were killed in the attack that prompted the mass burial.
BYM alleged that suspected attackers attempted to invade the burial venue but were repelled by security operatives and local vigilante groups. It added that three vigilante members sustained injuries during the confrontation and were taken to hospital for treatment.
The group further claimed that after failing to breach the burial ground, the attackers moved to Zat and Bet communities in Ropp District. According to BYM, two persons were killed in Zat Community, while the residence of a community leader was set ablaze.
The association called on authorities to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms in vulnerable rural communities.
“At this critical time, it is important for public communication on security matters to reflect realities on the ground with accuracy, balance and sensitivity,” the statement added.
However, the Plateau State Police Command dismissed reports that gunmen attacked mourners during the burial ceremony.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, the Command described the reports as “grossly exaggerated” and inaccurate.
According to the police, the burial ceremony was conducted under tight security, with the Divisional Police Officer, other security agencies and the local government chairman present throughout the event.
“The event was carried out without any attack, as falsely reported,” the statement said.
The police added that the Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, had reinforced security in the area by deploying additional personnel, including mobile policemen and operatives of Operation Enduring Peace, to prevent possible threats.
The Command urged the public to disregard what it described as misleading reports capable of causing panic and advised media organisations to verify information with credible sources before publication.
