Fresh waves of violence in Plateau State have left communities reeling after coordinated attacks claimed over 100 lives within two weeks, sparking nationwide condemnation. The latest assault, which killed 52 people in Zike community, Bassa Local Government Area, occurred barely two weeks after a similar massacre in Bokkos LGA, deepening fears of escalating insecurity in the region.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, visibly distraught during a visit to the affected communities, publicly apologized for the government’s failure to prevent the bloodshed. “I have been crying since yesterday because I trusted God that this would not happen again,” Mutfwang said at the palace of the Miango traditional ruler. “We made security investments, but human arrangements sometimes fail. On Sunday night, we failed you. Please, forgive me.”
Survivors recounted horrific details of the attacks, with one victim, Eric Danlami, revealing how his sister was shot dead while fleeing their hiding place. “We were asleep when gunmen stormed our home. My sister panicked, ran out, and was killed,” he said.
The killings have drawn sharp rebukes from political and religious leaders. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar blamed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for “incompetence” in handling security, while NNPP presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso and ex-Governor Jonah Jang called for swift justice. Jang dismissed claims of “communal clashes,” insisting the attacks were orchestrated by a “known group with an agenda.”
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, vowed to intensify operations, declaring that the “days of the perpetrators are numbered.” Civil society groups, including the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN), labeled the violence “genocide” and urged international intervention.
As mass burials proceed, residents demand concrete action beyond condolences, with many questioning why security reinforcements failed to prevent the recurring tragedies.
