The Plateau State Police Command and the Berom Youth Moulders-Association have disagreed over reports of an alleged attack on mourners during a mass burial in Barkin Ladi.

The controversy followed claims that gunmen attempted to attack mourners gathered to bury victims of an earlier assault in Nding Sesut Community.

In a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, the police dismissed the reports as false and misleading, insisting the burial ceremony was conducted peacefully under tight security supervision.

According to the command, security personnel, including mobile police officers and operatives of Operation Enduring Peace, were deployed to maintain order, while the local government chairman also appealed for calm during the event.

However, the Berom Youth Moulders-Association countered the police narrative, insisting an attempted attack actually occurred during the burial ceremony.

The group stated that its officials were present at the scene and witnessed the incident firsthand, adding that security operatives and local vigilantes successfully repelled the attackers.

The association further claimed that three vigilante members sustained injuries during the confrontation and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

According to the youth group, after failing to infiltrate the burial gathering, the attackers allegedly moved to nearby communities in Ropp District, where two persons were reportedly killed in Zat Community, and a community leader’s house was set ablaze.

The group urged security agencies to strengthen surveillance and improve rapid response mechanisms to prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities across Plateau State.