Plateau Killings: BECO demands justice for two women, calls for probe into security operation

By Golok Nanmwa

JOS — The Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation (BECO) Worldwide has called for a thorough investigation into the death of two women allegedly killed during a security operation in Gero community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The organisation, while condemning the incident, declared that “enough is enough” over what it described as recurring violence and insecurity affecting communities in the state.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, triggered tension in the area as residents protested, with reports of vandalism at parts of the Jos South Local Government Secretariat.

The two women were reportedly shot dead behind the council secretariat in Gero, although the circumstances surrounding their deaths remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

Some community members have alleged that security operatives were responsible for the killings, but the claim has not been independently verified.

Speaking with journalists in Jos, the President of BECO Worldwide, Da Gyang Dudu Dalyop, called for an impartial investigation to determine what transpired, alleging that the incident may have resulted from poor communication, inadequate community engagement and excessive use of force.

Dalyop said residents of the affected communities have endured years of attacks and insecurity, making them particularly sensitive to unfamiliar movements, especially those involving armed personnel.

He explained that the security personnel were reportedly in the area for an operation but that residents became suspicious because they were allegedly not informed about the purpose of the mission.

According to him, proper engagement with community leaders before the operation could have prevented the misunderstanding.

“The people have been living with constant attacks. They have gone through deep crisis and are very sensitive to any movement they do not understand. There should have been proper sensitisation and explanation to the community,” he said.

The BECO president alleged that the security operatives fired warning shots before the women were killed, questioning the use of force against civilians.

“I do not see any reason why maximum force should be used on women who were not carrying weapons or posing any threat. We believe there was an overuse of power and this must be investigated,” he added.

Dalyop urged the Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), military authorities and other relevant security agencies to investigate the incident and establish the facts surrounding the deaths.

He also raised concerns over coordination among security agencies, stressing the need for better communication with community leaders and local stakeholders before security operations are carried out.

The BECO leader appealed to the government to intensify efforts to address insecurity in Plateau State, warning that continued violence was creating frustration among residents.

“We have had more than enough. We are losing people and the youths are becoming restless. We plead with government to tackle insecurity,” he said.

Dalyop disclosed that two women died in the incident, while another person was receiving treatment in a hospital in critical condition.

He urged authorities to ensure that future security operations involve traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to prevent misunderstandings and promote cooperation between security agencies and communities.

“We are all partners in security. Nobody should treat security in isolation. Community leaders must be carried along whenever there is any form of deployment,” he said.