Massacre In Five Communities: What’s Happening In Plateau State?

The death toll has risen to 50 after suspected Fulani Militia attacked five communities in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State and left 18 others hospitalized on Wednesday. 

The Origin Of The Attack

The cause of the recent attacks on the communities is still unclear. Mr. Kefas Mallai, Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, confirmed the assaults to PUNCH Metro in Jos on Thursday. He stated that the violence started around 9 am on Wednesday when armed men stormed Tamiso village, where women were gathered for a Christian fellowship meeting at a COCIN church.

“Before they knew what was happening, the gunmen invaded the place, firing gunshots. So, people started running for their lives, and the attackers, who are said to be Fulani herders, succeeded in displacing the community and two other neighbouring communities,” he said. He said the attackers fired gunshots, causing panic and displacement among residents.

He stated that the affected communities include Tamiso, Tuje, Nghabok, Wayah, Kambang, Manguna, and Hurti. Mallai noted that the attacks had instilled widespread fear and forced many residents to flee their homes, resulting in significant displacement.

He also highlighted that the swift response of security forces, who were alerted by the affected communities, helped prevent further casualties. Security personnel arrived at the scene within 30 minutes, effectively mitigating the situation.

This latest assault occurred just a week after a similar attack in Ruwi community, within the same Local Government Area, where gunmen targeted mourners and killed about 10 people. In response, the state Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, urged residents of Ruwi and surrounding areas to remain calm and cooperate with the police as they work to bring the attackers to justice.

What Nigerians Are Saying

The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, is at the forefront of condemning the attack. He expressed deep sorrow over the incident, where multiple communities were plunged into mourning after entire families were killed in what he termed “yet another senseless attack.”

In a statement issued on Friday via X, Obi condemned the incident and questioned the growing trend of violence across the country, wondering why such killings have become normalised.

 “How long will these killings, kidnapping, maiming and criminality continue in our nation that is not at war? How long must we wait to act decisively and focus on this drastic situation that is crippling our nation? How many more must die before the government acts for the people?” he queried. 

The former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, lamented that communities nationwide now live in constant fear, unable to farm or conduct business safely. He cited examples from states such as Benue, Enugu, Ondo, and Anambra. Obi urged the government and security agencies to take decisive action to end the killings and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

In the midst of these, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, appears conspicuously absent as Nigerians continue to face rampant violence and targeted killings across the country. This absence of leadership during such a critical time signals a failure in ensuring the safety and security of the citizens, and as violence escalates and communities are torn apart, Nigerians are left questioning the commitment and accountability of those in charge of safeguarding the country’s peace and unity.