The Plateau State Police Command and the Berom Youth Moulders Association are at odds over reports of an attack on mourners during a mass burial of terror victims in Barkin Ladi, with the police dismissing the claims as false while the youth group insists the incident occurred.
The controversy followed reports that gunmen attacked mourners gathered for the burial of seven victims killed in an earlier assault on Nding Sesut Community.
Residents and eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to invade the burial venue on Wednesday but were repelled before carrying out separate attacks on nearby communities.
In a statement issued on May 6, 2026, the police command denied the reports.
“It has come to the notice of the Plateau State Police Command that a misleading publication by a section of the media alleges that gunmen opened fire on innocent civilians during a mass burial in the state, resulting in the death of many people,” the statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo read.
The command described the claims as “grossly exaggerated, inaccurate, and do not reflect the true situation on the ground,” adding that “at no time did the Plateau State Police Command record such an incident.”
According to the police, the burial was conducted under heavy security, with the Divisional Police Officer, other security agencies, and the local government chairman in attendance.
“The event was carried out without any attack, as falsely reported,” the statement added.
Commissioner of Police Bassey Ewah said additional security personnel, including mobile policemen and operatives of Operation Enduring Peace had been deployed to maintain peace and prevent further violence.
The command urged the public to disregard the reports, warning that such publications could incite panic, and advised media organisations to verify information before publication.
However, the Berom Youth Moulders Association in a statement issued Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong disputed the police account.
While acknowledging the presence of security personnel at the burial, the group said it was important “to state the facts clearly and accurately for the sake of public record, justice for the victims, and the affected communities.”
The group said seven people, not five, were killed in the initial attack that prompted the mass burial and noted that Nding Sesut Community had suffered repeated attacks over time.
The association maintained that there was “indeed an attempted attack during the mass burial ceremony.”
“Some officials of the association, led by the National President, were physically present at the burial, making this not merely an eyewitness account but a direct experience of those on the ground,” the statement said.
According to the group, the attackers were repelled by security personnel and local vigilantes, while three vigilante members sustained injuries during the confrontation.
The BYM added that after failing to penetrate the burial venue, the attackers moved to communities in Ropp District , including Zat Community and Bet Community.
The group said two people were killed in Zat Community and the home of the community leader was set ablaze.
It added that Zat Community is located near Saint John Vianney Minor Seminary.
The association called for improved surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response measures to prevent further attacks on vulnerable rural communities, urging authorities to ensure that public communication on security matters reflects realities on the ground with “accuracy, balance, and sensitivity.”
