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  • Six feared dead in fresh Plateau killings

    Six feared dead in fresh Plateau killings

    Gunmen on Sunday night reportedly killed six persons at Ikn’gwakap community of Mushere Chiefdom in Bokkos local government Council of Plateau state.

    Eyewitnesses said the gunmen stormed the community at midnight and started shooting sporadically.

     It was gathered that several homes were razed by the rampaging gunmen.

    A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of Mushere Youth movement Kutyil Gashion Nahum confirmed the sad development.

    The statement reads: “On the night of Sunday, 14th September, 2025, about six innocent persons  including women and children  were brutally murdered in their sleep in Ikn’gwakap, the Headquarters of Mushere Chiefdom. 

    “Several others remain missing, leaving families in fear, trauma, and uncertainty.

    Read Also: Benue, Plateau killings: Suspect pleads guilty to illegal arms possession

    ” It  is alarming and unacceptable that despite repeated attacks on Mushere communities, not a single perpetrator has been arrested or neutralized. 

    “This persistent failure highlights the urgent need for a total overhaul of the security architecture in the area.

    “We therefore call on the government at all levels to rise to its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property. The continued silence and inaction only embolden terrorists to perpetrate more violence on defenseless communities.

    “While demanding immediate and decisive action, we equally urge all citizens across Mushere and Bokkos to remain vigilant, united, and proactive in safeguarding their communities, even as we continue to press peacefully and firmly for justice and lasting peace.

    “The blood of our people must not continue to be shed in vain. 

    “The time for decisive action is now,the statement further.”

  • Plateau, Benue killings: State Police back on front burner

    Plateau, Benue killings: State Police back on front burner

    • Issue may return to NEC agenda this week
    • Senators developing legal framework

    The resurgence of violent killings in Plateau and Benue states in the last month has brought back to the front burner the vexed issue of state police.

    The Senate, on resumption from recess next week, will put a framework to the idea, according to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.

    The issue is also expected to be on the agenda of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting this week.

    NEC, chaired by the Vice President, is made up of governors and a few other federal officials.

    At its December 12, 2024, meeting, it was announced that all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had indicated readiness to embrace state police.

    Against the expectations of Nigerians, however, NEC’s February meeting – its only one so far this year – did not discuss state police – at least not on the communiqué released to the media.

    Also yesterday, Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church (formerly Latter Rain), Pastor Tunde Bakare, advocated the formation of zonal security councils and decentralisation of policing.

    Two security experts also proffered community involvement and police independence as a panacea to the killings.

    Former Senate President David Mark gave a range of suggestions to end the killings.

    Bamidele called on security agencies to apprehend and prosecute those perpetrating killings, kidnappings and destruction of property in parts of the country.

    He said: “The recent killings in Benue and Plateau states outright negated the virtues of peace and love that Jesus Christ taught.

    “The recurrent utterances by some political and sectional figures also belied the values of courage, perseverance and tolerance He evidently lived for.

    “No country develops as a result of one section rising up against another and vice versa.

    “While the authority of the National Assembly is in the process of developing legal frameworks for the establishment of state police as one of the measures to address insecurity in the country, we urge security agencies to work together as a team to track and apprehend all the masterminds and sponsors of terror attacks nationwide.

    “We appeal to some political actors who always latch onto the country’s challenges to push divisive narratives to learn from the example of Jesus Christ.

    “Such actors are no longer playing opposition politics, but simply taking advantage of the country’s internal conditions in the pursuit of their own parochial political outcomes.

    “Regardless of their ethnicity, politics and religion, all actors should shun all forms of divisive utterance and join forces against the common foes of Nigeria and not subvert our effort to build a strong and virile federation.”

    Zonal security

    Bakare, who expressed concern over the spate of killings, abductions and other crimes, called for the decentralisation of the policing system and the formation of zonal security councils.

    In his state of the nation address in Lagos yesterday, the cleric noted that the surge in security concerns, including the recent killing of hundreds of residents in Plateau and Benue states, required a new approach to tame.

    He said: “We must then reinstate national security federalism by activating constitutional procedures for multilevel policing, including local, state, and zonal policing systems.

    “Against this backdrop, we must redesign our security architecture by facilitating the formation of zonal security councils, chaired by a governor from the respective zone on a rotating basis.

    “Such councils, which will be formed by state and local policing systems within respective zones, must be managed by nonpartisan security experts, while the Chairperson at each point in time will represent the zone at the National Security Council.

    “These steps would be further boosted by adequately retooling our security infrastructure to meet the complex demands and by remodelling our security infrastructure to end interagency rivalry.

    “We must also recreate our national security culture by mandating the kind of organisational culture change within the entire gamut of our law enforcement agencies that can win back the trust of the people.”

    Stringent measures

    Senator Mark called on the Federal Government to be more proactive in its efforts to tackle the menace of violent crimes, kidnapping and armed herdsmen.

    He suggested that such violent and murderous groups should be declared terrorists and treated as such.

    Mark bemoaned the unabating violent crimes, especially in the Northcentral states of Plateau and Benue.

    A statement by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, in Abuja quoted Mark as saying: “We must not shy away from the truth. If they are not terrorists, why are they killing people? Why are they destroying communities? Why are they chasing people away from their ancestral homes?”

    Decrying the unending activities of armed herders suspected to be behind killings and kidnappings, Mark said: “Their activities are unacceptable and should not only be condemned but be prohibited in their entirety as nobody has the right to take anybody’s life.”

    On the attacks on several communities in Benue and Plateau states, the senator called on the Federal Government to proscribe open grazing in all parts of the country.

    Read Also:  Plateau killings fueled by long-standing grievances, mistrust – GOC 3 Division

    The former Senate President, whose home town in Benue State was under attack, called for a more inclusive approach to tackle insecurity in all ramifications.

    Mark also called for the establishment of a well-equipped Border Security Forces (BSF) to halt the influx of criminals into Nigeria, pointing out that most of the suspected killer-herders “took advantage of the porosity of our borders by streaming into the country”.

  • Governors pay condolence visit to Plateau over killings

    Governors pay condolence visit to Plateau over killings

    Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) yesterday called for support for the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang in his efforts to address the security challenges.

    No fewer than 100 people were killed in multiple attacks on communities within one week.

    NGF’s Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, made the call during a visit to Plateau State in company with some governors.

    In a statement by the NGF secretariat, Abdulrazaq sympathised with the people over the killings.

    He said: “On behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the people of our states, I bring you sincere words of condolences on the unfortunate events in which many of our compatriots have lost their lives.

    “We call on leaders and influencers across all communities and sectors in Plateau to join His Excellency in the task of uniting the people and restoring sustainable peace.

    Read Also: NNPC unfolds plan to attract $30b investment in 2027

    “Leaders, including youth leaders, should come together to speak strongly against violence of any kind.

    “We urge that we resolve our differences through dialogue, fair negotiations, mutual respect, and perspective-taking.

    “Sustainable development can be a mirage in an atmosphere of tension and violence.

    “Plateau is full of potential, especially in agriculture and tourism. But these potentials could be affected negatively if we allow violence or threats to define how people see our communities.

    “We commend His Excellency the Governor for his leadership at this critical moment.

    “Our visit is to express our solidarity with His Excellency and the government and the good people of Plateau State.

    “We pray to God Almighty to repose the souls of the victims and restore peace to our communities.”

    The governors on the team are Babagana Zulum (Borno), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe.

  • IGP confirms arrest of two suspects over Plateau killings

    IGP confirms arrest of two suspects over Plateau killings

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the killing in Bokkos, Plateau State.

    The suspects, he said, are giving the police information on the ongoing investigation.

    He vowed that the Nigeria Police Force is diligently working to uncover the motives behind these attacks, identify and apprehend other suspects involved in the killings.

    The police boss described the killings as senseless and uncalled-for, adding that he has ordered additional deployment of officers to restore normalcy.

    A statement  by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi reads: “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has again issued a strong condemnation on the recent senseless killings in Plateau State after his visit to the state on Tuesday 15th April, 2025. Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives, the IGP described the acts as utterly reprehensible and a grave assault on the peace and security of the nation.

    Read Also: Tinubu approves N15bn to avert flood disaster

    “Preliminary investigations and operations in response to these attacks have led to the arrest of two suspects in connection with the killings in Bokkos, who are currently assisting with the ongoing investigation.

    “As a follow-up to the visit of the Inspector-General of Police to the state, he has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Kwazhi Dali Yakubu, to stand in charge, coordinate the operations and calm the situation. The DIG, in line with this directive, has led the police team on the aerial surveillance of the Bassa and Bokos areas and is currently engaging stakeholders at the affected areas to reassure them of police presence while ensuring confidence building.

    “After a general review of the operation, the IGP has ordered the immediate deployment of additional police personnel and resources to Plateau State. These deployments will serve to enhance rapid response capabilities and patrol of high-risk areas, to gather critical information and proactively address potential threats. The Police team, led by the DIG Operations, has also commenced on-the-ground assessment for the strategic deployment of the additional operational resources.

    “The IGP has assured the residents of Plateau State that the Nigeria Police Force is fully committed to restoring peace and order, and preventing further acts of violence in the state. Members of the public are urged to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and provide adequate information that may assist in the ongoing investigation. 

    “The Inspector-General of Police once again extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and stands in solidarity with the people of Plateau State during this difficult time. The Nigeria Police Force is committed to bringing the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens in Plateau State”.

  • Plateau killings: A campaign of ethnic cleansing, says Mutfwang

    Plateau killings: A campaign of ethnic cleansing, says Mutfwang

    • IG to perpetrators: your days are numbered
    • Groups seek action from Federal Govt

    Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has described the killing of 45 persons in Bassa community as a campaign of ethnic cleansing against indigenous ethnic nationalities.

    Mutfwang stated this during a broadcast in Jos yesterday.

    Also, yesterday during a visit to the state, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun , warned attackers of communities in the state to stop or face the consequences.

    He assured the people of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring adequate security.

    While two groups, Plateau Patriotic Front (PFF) and Zumunta Association USA Inc., based in Washington DC condemned the  killings, urging a decisive action from the government.

    The governor’s broadcast came after an emergency security council meeting in the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.

    Mutfwang recalled that last Sunday, Kwall District in Bassa Local Government Area was attacked by armed assailants, suspected to be militia, during which no fewer than 45 persons were killed and several others injured and homes razed.

    The governor also recalled the Dyanburuk (Dogo Na Hawa) massacre of 2010, bloodshed in Riyom, Barkin-Ladi, as well as Mangu and Bokkos Christmas Eve massacre where several people were killed.

    The governor, however, reassured the people that the government would protect their lives and property.

    The governor told the people of Bassa that help was on the way.

    Read Also: Tinubu tasks Mutfwang to address root causes of violence

    Mutfwang said: “I have already directed hospitals within and outside the locality to take in and treat the victims who sustained injuries. Our priority is to ensure that they receive the best medical care and support, as we also continue to provide relief materials and shelter for the displaced.

    “We have activated all security and humanitarian response mechanisms to address the situation in Kwall and Bokkos. I have reached out to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has expressed deep concern and assured us of the Federal Government’s full support.

    “We are also in constant touch with the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, National Security Adviser, and other critical stakeholders in the security industry. Troops and other security personnel have been deployed and reinforced in vulnerable communities.’’

    He expressed his condolences to the people, saying: “I grieve with you. Your pain is our pain. The Plateau State Government has directed all health facilities to provide immediate and comprehensive treatment to the injured at no cost.’’

    He assured that relief materials, food supplies, and temporary shelters are being provided through our emergency agencies and partners.

    “To the killers and their sponsors, know this: your evil shall not go unpunished. You may run, but you will not hide. Plateau will rise. Plateau will prevail” he warned.

    Also, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has warned attackers of communities in Plateau to stop or face the consequences.

    He assured the people of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring adequate security.

    Egbetokun gave the assurance during a visit to Mutfwang,  following the recent attacks that claimed lives and displaced several communities across the state.

    This marks the IG’s third visit to Plateau State since assuming office. He expressed condolences to the victims and communities affected by the violence.

    “We condemn these acts of violence and recognise their devastating impact, especially on local farmers.

    “In response, we have deployed more security personnel and resources to the affected areas and are working closely with other security agencies. Intelligence gathering efforts have also been intensified to identify and bring the masterminds behind these attacks to justice,” he stated.

    Commending the state government’s efforts, the IGP added: “We will work tirelessly until these issues are resolved.”

    Egbetokun further noted that the attackers were taking advantage of the limited security manpower across the local governments, but reassured the people that the tide would soon turn.

    “I assure you that these criminal elements will soon be outnumbered. I appeal to the people of Plateau to remain calm and peaceful.

    Mutfwang commended the Police boss for coming to the state and described the attacks on innocent villagers as unprovoked.

    Also, two groups, Plateau Patriotic Front (PFF), and Zumunta Association USA Inc. have condemned the  killings.

    PFF Chairman, Mr Mani Imman, said the narrative that the killings were communal or herder/farmer-related were not only misleading but dangerous.

    According to Imman, the narrative also disrespects the memory of the victims.

    He urged the Presidency and Nigerians not to overlook the issue.

    Imman quoted Mutfwang as stating that while the state had grappled with various criminalities, such as kidnappings and cattle rustling, the violence ravaging many communities could not be described as mere farmer-herder clashes.

    He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to deal with those behind the killings, saying it might be an agenda to destabilise the country.

    He called on the Federal Government to pay attention to what was happening in Plateau and nip it in the bud to prevent its escalation to other parts of the country.

    Zummuta National President, Mr Sunday Bitrus, described the killings as senseless and brutal, expressing concern over the increasing frequency and scale of the attacks that have claimed the lives of scores of men, women, and children.

    The group lamented the lack of effective security response and accountability, stating that the victims are more than just statistics.

    “These are human lives — lives cut short without cause, leaving behind grieving families and shattered communities,” the statement read.

    Zumunta Association emphasised that the violence must be investigated thoroughly, with root causes such as land disputes, political manipulation, religious tension, or reprisals identified and addressed.

    “The nation demands answers, and more importantly, action,” the association stressed, while reaffirming its commitment to non-violent conflict resolution.

    “Peace cannot be achieved if the perpetrators of violence are not held accountable, and if justice continues to elude the victims. Dialogue, mediation, and proactive community engagement must replace silence, neglect, and impunity,” the statement added.

    The group also expressed the emotional toll on its members abroad who are frequently confronted with questions from their host communities about the recurring violence in Nigeria.

    “It is disheartening and embarrassing that we must explain why these killings continue,” the association noted.

  • When will killings in Plateau stop?

    When will killings in Plateau stop?

    For decades, the North Central Nigerian state of Plateau has been a flashpoint of intercommunal violence for decades. Once known as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” Plateau has become synonymous with recurring cycles of bloodshed that have claimed thousands of lives. This crisis represents one of Nigeria’s most persistent security challenges, with root causes that seem to be complex and multifaceted.

    Looking through the context of history, the  violence in Plateau State stems from a complex interplay of factors. The region sits at the convergence of Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim north and predominantly Christian south, creating something of a religious fault line which should naturally not be a challenge if we in these climes adhere to their true teachings. However, reducing the conflict to only religion alone is an attempt to oversimplify a more nuanced reality.

    At its core, the Plateau crisis revolves around competition for scarce resources, particularly land. The indigenous ethnic groups of Plateau—primarily the Berom, Afizere, and Anaguta—are predominantly farmers and Christians. Over generations, Fulani pastoralists, who are mainly Muslims, have migrated to the region in search of grazing land for their cattle. Climate change has exacerbated this migration, as desertification pushes herders further south.

    Political marginalization also plays a significant role. The concept of “indigeneship” in Nigerian governance gives preferential rights to those considered original inhabitants of an area. This system has created tensions between those classified as “indigenes” and “settlers,” despite some families having lived in the region for generations.

    Thus the grim weaponization of ethnic and religious identities by political elites has further inflamed tensions. Politicians often exploit these divisions for electoral gain, deepening societal fractures rather than healing them.

    Since 2001, Plateau State has experienced numerous episodes of mass violence:

    – September 2001: Over 1,000 people were killed in Jos during riots triggered by political appointments and religious tensions. Apparently, what kicked off the riots was the appointment of a Muslim, Alhaji Mukhtar Mohammed as the state coordinator of the NAPEP poverty alleviation programme. By

    May 2004, more than 700 people were massacred in Yelwa-Shendam, with churches and mosques destroyed in retaliatory attacks, the attack was to then spread to Kano before President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a State of Emergency in the state.

    By November 2008, Following disputed local government elections, approximately 700 people were killed in Jos.

    Other timelines of such repeated orgies of blood and carnage include:

    January 2010: Ethnic clashes in Jos claimed over 300 lives within days.

    -March 2010: The Dogo Nahawa massacre saw over 500 people, mostly women and children, slaughtered in a night raid.

    December 2010-January 2011: Bombings and subsequent violence in Jos killed more than 200 people.

    July 2012: A funeral for victims of earlier attacks was ambushed, killing a federal senator, Gyang Dalyop Datong and a state lawmaker, Hon. James Fulani among dozens of others. That same year, the state witnessed  coordinated attacks on rural communities resulting in hundreds of deaths.

    2021-2023: Attacks intensified with dozens of mass casualty incidents in rural communities, including the Christmas Eve massacres of 2023 that claimed over 100 lives.

    2024- Present Date: The violence has continued unabated with several deadly attacks on farming communities, with the recent killing of 52 people by gunmen and the displacement of about 2,000 others.

    The reason for the attacks in six villages in Plateau’s Bokkos district last week was not immediately known but it is the worst outbreak of violence since December 2023, when over 100 people were massacred.

    These statistics represent not just numbers but thousands of individual tragedies—families destroyed, communities uprooted, and a societal fabric torn apart by sustained violence.  Such statistics represent a grim failure of the Nigerian state and it’s security apparatus.

    Read Also: Plateau killings: IG orders deployment of tactical squads, assets

    The blame for Plateau’s persistent violence must be distributed across multiple actors with the  Federal Government bearing significant responsibility for its failure to address the crisis effectively. Two vital takeaways from this bloodletting drama is the fact that successive administrations have reactively deployed security forces rather than doing such proactively, often withdrawing them prematurely, the other is the fact that our insisting on centralizing our security architecture will forever remain inadequate whilst addressing and seeking to end localized conflicts. This majorly points to a failure of intelligence despite the billions sunk into such agencies on an annual basis, it is even worse to note that on a number of occasions, security agents received sizable evidence off such attacks but failed to act on such until after the attacks were carried out.

     The government has failed to prosecute perpetrators, creating a culture of impunity and there are allegations that fifth columnists in the nation’s security apparatus are also aiding and abetting these criminals.

    State and Local Governments have often exacerbated tensions through discriminatory policies that favor certain ethnic or religious groups. Political leaders have exploited identity politics rather than promoting inclusive governance. In addition, community leaders on all sides have sometimes inflamed tensions through inflammatory rhetoric. Religious leaders have not always used their moral authority to promote peace and reconciliation.

    There is also the talk about the involvement of transnational criminal networks as also playing a heavy role in financing and arming the locals, thus exploiting the tensions and fueling such conflicts for economic gain.

    There are fears that should the killings in Plateau not cease, there is a tendency that the nation could be sitting on a keg of gun powder and such a crisis could escalate or help trigger another civil war or major disturbance. It is thus for this reason that the nation must  begin to search for that elusive  path to a just and  sustainable peace.

    This would surely require a hands on approach and a sincerity of purpose. A

    A thorough reform of our security architecture which would include restructuring its security architecture to improve response times and intelligence gathering as well as encourage responsible state and community policing initiatives that involve local stakeholders could enhance security at the grassroots level and help prevent or deter such attacks from occuring again.

    The establishment of  special tribunals to prosecute perpetrators of violence would help break the cycle of impunity. The government must demonstrate that there are dire consequences for the participation in such mass violence, long jail terms or even the death penalty could help reduce or deter such attacks on the innocent people of Jos.

    The setting up of ranches within the state could help the state reduce farmer-herder conflicts. The introduction of  modern ranching techniques should be promoted, encouraged and enforced  as alternatives to traditional pastoralism.

    While the indigene settler mentality may not abate for the next fifty years, successive state governments should run an inclusive government for all and help blur the indigene-settler dichotomy. Governance structures should ensure representation for all ethnic and religious groups irrespective of where they come from or in what deity they believe in. These successive governments must remember that a majority of us neither chose our ethnicity nor form of religion from birth, to now marginalize one because he is a Muslim or a settler is akin to punishing one or more people for choices they did not make themselves.

    Furthermore, the successive administrations including the present one must address the twin evils unemployment and poverty through targeted development initiatives. This way, the recruiting pools for such violent acts would steadily dwindle. Extras could also include the inclusion of peace education into the  curricula in  order  to  promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Inter-faith and inter-ethnic dialogue forums too should be encouraged helping build bridges between divided communities.

    The path to peace in Plateau State is challenging but not impossible. It requires political will, community engagement, and a commitment to addressing root causes rather than symptoms. The people of Plateau, regardless of ethnicity or religion, share common aspirations for security, prosperity, and dignity, we therefore should not allow a few brigands rob them of such God given rights.

    The persistent violence has extracted an unbearable human toll and threatens Nigeria’s national cohesion. When will the killings stop? They will stop when all stakeholders recognize that sustainable peace serves their long-term interests better than cycles of vengeance. They will stop when governance prioritizes justice over expediency, inclusion over division, and humanity over narrow identity politics.

    The question is not whether sustainable peace is possible in Plateau, but whether there is sufficient courage and commitment to make the difficult choices necessary to achieve it. The bloodshed can end when Nigerians decide that no political, religious or ethnic difference is worth justifying the senseless slaughter of men, women and children, that time is now.

  • Plateau killings: IG orders deployment of tactical squads, assets

    Plateau killings: IG orders deployment of tactical squads, assets

    • DIG operations moves to Jos

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun yesterday deployed a police tactical squad and assets in the Plateau State communities attached by gunmen late last month.

    Egbetokun also directed his deputy in charge of the Department of Operations Kwazhi Yakubu  to lead and coordinate the tactical team with significant  

    The reinforcements.  include additional units of highly trained personnel, state-of-the-art drones for enhanced surveillance, Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), units of Police Mobile Force, helicopters, and specialised platoons from the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).

    Egbetokun, according to a statement by   Force Public Relations Officer  Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that special operations have been undertaken to effectively curb the incessant gunmen attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of the state and surrounding communities. 

    Read Also: Plateau killings: Bokkos community commends FG, Mutfwang’s relief intervention

      Adejobi’s statement reads in part: “The recent escalation of violence began on March 28, 2025, when some armed assailants launched a brutal attack in Bokkos, resulting in the deaths of some individuals and serious injuries to many others. This initial incident tragically marked the beginning of a series of attacks that have since claimed the lives of scores of people, leaving communities devastated and gripped by fear.

    “Recognising the gravity of the situation, the IGP has directed DIG Kwazhi and the deployed security forces to undertake a multi-faceted approach, focusing not only on suppressing the ongoing violence but also on proactively preventing future attacks.’’

    “The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains fully committed to working in close collaboration with the Plateau State Government, community leaders, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to restore lasting peace and stability to the region.

    “The NPF urges residents to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies, providing any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation and efforts to maintain peace on the Plateau.”

  • Plateau killings: IGP orders deployment of tactical squads, assets

    Plateau killings: IGP orders deployment of tactical squads, assets

    Following a series of attacks and killings that have overwhelmed some communities of Plateau State since March 28, 2025, the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, on Wednesday ordered the immediate deployment of police tactical assets to the affected areas of the state.

    This action, Egbetokun said, underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to restore peace, ensuring the safety and security of all residents, and bringing perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice.

    The IGP has tasked the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations (DIG DOPs), DIG Kwazhi Yakubu, to lead and coordinate the tactical team with significant reinforcements, including additional units of highly trained tactical personnel, state-of-the-art drones for enhanced surveillance, Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), units of Police Mobile Force, helicopters, and specialized platoons from the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).

    Egbetokun emphasised that resources will be strategically deployed to conduct special operations aimed at effectively curbing the incessant attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) and surrounding communities, which have tragically resulted in the loss of innocent lives.

    According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “The recent escalation of violence began on March 28, 2025, when some armed assailants launched a brutal attack in Bokkos, resulting in the deaths of some individuals and serious injuries to many others. This initial incident tragically marked the beginning of a series of attacks that have since claimed the lives of scores of people, leaving communities devastated and gripped by fear.

    Read Also: Plateau killings: ACF calls for state of emergency on vulnerable, banditry-prone communities 

    “Recognising the gravity of the situation, the IGP has directed DIG Kwazhi and the deployed security forces to undertake a multi-faceted approach, focusing not only on suppressing the ongoing violence but also on proactively preventing future attacks.

    “Upon arrival in Plateau State on Tuesday, 8th April 2025, DIG Kwazhi paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang. During this meeting, DIG Kwazhi conveyed the IGP’s sincere condolences to the affected families and communities, as well as to the entire people of Plateau State. The meeting also served as an opportunity to assess the situation firsthand, delve into the root causes of the attacks, and collaboratively develop a sustainable, long-term solution to these senseless killings.

    “The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains fully committed to working in close collaboration with the Plateau State Government, community leaders, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to restore lasting peace and stability to the region.

    “The NPF urges residents to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies, providing any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation and efforts to maintain peace on the Plateau”.

  • Plateau killings: Bokkos community commends FG, Mutfwang’s relief intervention

    Plateau killings: Bokkos community commends FG, Mutfwang’s relief intervention

    Residents of Bokkos local government in Plateau State have expressed delight to the Federal and State Governments for the delivery of prompt relief to victims of violent attacks on the community by gunmen.

    The people also applauded the intervention of Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central) for bringing immediate relief. 

    Chairman Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) Vanguard Barr. Farmasum Fuddang and Secretary Duwam Bosco in a statement explained: “Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) Vanguard expresses deep gratitude to the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Plateau State Government under Governor Caleb Mutfwang for their interventions following the recent attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area. 

    “Your support has provided reassurance during these challenging times. However, we wish to emphasize the extent of the destruction caused by these heinous attacks and humbly appeal for additional assistance for the many victims left helpless and hopeless”

    Read Also: I can’t stand the health implications of open defecation – Mutfwang

     The community particularly commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift response, which included deploying troops to address the violence and sending humanitarian aid through the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.”

     The community however noted though the interventions provided have been beneficial, they are inadequate in addressing the extensive damage caused. 

    “The attacks on April 2 alone resulted in over 50 deaths, more than 18 injuries, over 4,000 displaced camping in at least two IDP camps in Hurti, Bokkos, Gwande etc, over 180 home destructions etc. 

    “It is worth mentioning, that more than 25,000 people have been displaced by various attacks over the past two years, with many still unable to return home. The recent attacks and the repercussions will take years to overcome.

    “Survivors of these attacks deserve greater support; this is their right. The government’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens. Failure to protect them, despite advance warnings and existing intelligence resources, places responsibility for these attacks on the government. 

    “The victims, who have contributed to the establishment of government through their votes, deserve justice and compensation for their losses, including the deaths of breadwinners and loved ones. Equally important is the recovery of ancestral lands that have been seized and occupied by foreign elements with extremist ideologies and terrorist intentions”.

    “Neglecting these needs risks eroding public confidence in the government, potentially leading to reduced civic engagement or even unrest,” they said. 

  • Plateau killings: ACF calls for state of emergency on vulnerable, banditry-prone communities 

    Plateau killings: ACF calls for state of emergency on vulnerable, banditry-prone communities 

    …as Northern CAN, AYCF seek end to senseless killings, compensation for victims families 

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned the renewed wave of killings in Plateau State, urging the Federal Government to declare a state of security emergency in vulnerable and banditry-ravaged communities across Northern Nigeria and beyond.

    In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad Baba, the ACF expressed deep sorrow over the March 28th attacks on defenceless communities in Plateau, which led to the tragic loss of scores of lives, including children.

    “The ACF is ineffably saddened at the disheartening and frightening attacks by terror gangs, which have added to the already grim toll of deaths, injuries, and destruction suffered by communities in recent years,” the statement read.

    The forum extended condolences to the affected communities, the government and people of Plateau State, and prayed for the souls of the deceased and quick recovery for the injured.

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    The ACF also drew attention to what it described as a continued deterioration of security in Arewa and other parts of the country, stressing that every fresh attack is one too many.

    Similarly, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and Abuja, along with the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), condemned the violence and called for immediate compensation for victims’ families and urgent steps to end what they described as senseless killings in the region.

    “Clearly, the people are in great pains, with their situation compounded by existential economic challenges. The killing spree on the Plateau must be stopped immediately and peace must return to the State,” it said.

    The Forum however called on the federal government to “declare a state of security emergency on vulnerable and banditry-prone communities and to initiate effective early-warning and early-response strategies that incorporate the participation of community members;

    “To intensify efforts in actionable intelligence gathering, processing and deployment by relevant all security agencies so as to establish the immediate and remote causes of the latest skirmishes, investigate, identify, arrest and prosecute perpetrators and enablers of the attacks.”

    It also called in the Federal Government to fully compensate families of the victims for the lives lost and extend relief to those injured.

    “FGN and Plateau State Government to empower community leaders, elders, clergy, traditional leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to embark on community dialogue for conflict resolution, reconciliation and cooperation. All must intensify conflict resolution efforts;

    “citizens should avail the security agencies with credible information on the activities of insurgents and criminals; and

    “Members of the National Assembly to do more to hold the FGN and the National Security Agencies to account and to demand concrete evidence of a firm resolve to exterminate the current terror on citizens,” ACF asked.

    While, reiterating its unalloyed support for the Federal, the Plateau State Government and all National Security Agencies in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria, ACF called on all to up the ante in the fight against threats to the wellbeing of all Nigerian citizens.

    In its own statement signed by its Chairman, Rev John John Hayab, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19-Northern states and the FCT expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, and the entire people of the State over the tragic and ‘senseless’ killings of innocent citizens in Bokkos Local Government Area.

    Rev. Hayab said “We are deeply pained by the latest wave of violence that has claimed the lives of over 50 persons across communities such as Mangor, Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai. This pattern of carnage, sadly becoming a recurring decimal in Plateau and other parts of Northern Nigeria, is not only barbaric but also an indictment on our collective humanity.

    “Northern CAN condemns, in the strongest possible terms, this strange and evil culture of killing that is fast gaining roots in our society. It is heartbreaking that people now hide under the cover of religion or tribal sentiments to commit atrocities against fellow human beings. The value for human life in our society has dangerously diminished and that is completely unacceptable,” he said.

    The Northern CAN Chairman however called on the security agencies to act swiftly, professionally and without bias and apprehend the perpetrators of the heinous crimes, adding that, justice must not only be served but must be seen to be served by all.

    Hayab added that, the continued cycle of bloodshed and mass burials must be broken through decisive action, improved intelligence, and proactive security presence in vulnerable communities.

    “We equally call on all Nigerians irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or political leaning to unite against this madness. This is not just a Plateau problem; it is a national tragedy. Religious leaders, traditional institutions, and community stakeholders must reinforce the message of peace, coexistence, and collective responsibility.

    “Once again, we say: Enough is Enough. Nigeria must not be a land where blood flows more than water,” he said.

    In a related development, Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) condemned the recent brutal killings of innocent citizens, describing it an act of senseless violence that has left numerous lives lost and entire communities devastated. 

    AYCF President-General, Alhaji Yerima Shettima said, the tragic incident is not only a profound violation of human rights but also a stark reminder of the escalating insecurity in various parts of Nigeria.

    According to AYCF President-General, the perpetrators of the heinous acts must be brought to justice, just as it is imperative that the government takes immediate and decisive action to prevent further bloodshed. 

    “We at AYCF express our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims and the affected communities who have suffered irreparable losses. The pain and trauma caused by such violence cannot be understated, and it is a reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms.

    “Furthermore, in the wake of this tragedy, we call for adequate compensation to be provided to the victims’ families. The loss of life, property, and livelihood cannot be compensated fully, but financial support is essential for the survivors to rebuild their lives,” he said.

    AYCF however called on the government to establish a dedicated funding to support the victims, including medical aid, psychological support, and financial compensation for the families who have lost loved ones.

    It argued, “This is not just a call for justice; it is a call for compassion, accountability, and a collective commitment to ensuring that such atrocities do not continue to plague our nation. 

    “We stand in solidarity with the people of Plateau State and all victims of violence, and we demand action that prioritizes the safety and dignity of every Nigerian citizen. AYCF commiserated with the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, and the entire people of the state over what it described as yet another senseless bloodshed,” AYCF said.