US urges Nigeria to sustain efforts against Middle Belt attacks

The United States has praised Nigeria’s response to recent attacks in the Middle Belt, urging the government to maintain efforts to safeguard communities in Plateau State.

The US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs made the call in a post on X on Tuesday, with particular emphasis on communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

“The United States commends Nigeria’s strong response to the latest attacks from Fulani militant groups,” the bureau said.

“We will continue to work with the Nigerian government to protect Christians in the Middle Belt,” it said.

The bureau urged the Nigerian government to sustain its efforts, particularly in Barkin Ladi.

“We urge Nigeria to continue the momentum and defend the Barkin Ladi communities in particular,” it added.

The statement comes against the backdrop of continued insecurity across parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt, including Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and Niger states, where communities have experienced attacks, kidnapping, communal clashes and farmer-herder conflicts.

Barkin Ladi has also recorded a series of attacks and reprisals in recent months.

On September 27, six people were killed while two others sustained injuries when gunmen attacked a mining site in Lajam Marit village, Ropp district, Barkin Ladi.

The victims were reportedly shot at the mining site, while the injured were taken to hospital for treatment.