In a swift response to the tragic attacks that claimed the lives of at least 51 people in Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang convened an urgent state security council meeting on Monday, April 14, 2025. The meeting, held at the Government House in Jos, aimed to address the rising insecurity in the region, particularly in Bassa and Bokkos Local Government Areas (LGAs), which have been plagued by violent militia attacks in recent days.
The horrific attack occurred early on Monday morning when over 100 assailants stormed Zikke and Kimakpa communities in Bassa LGA. According to local reports, the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, leaving numerous residents fleeing for their lives. The death toll quickly rose to 51, and several homes were set ablaze. Despite security forces’ efforts to repel the attackers, the damage had already been done, with many others suffering gunshot wounds.
Governor Mutfwang assured the public that the state government is actively addressing the crisis. “We are on top of the situation and will go to any length to forestall a recurrence,” he said. He also pledged to provide further details during a broadcast on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
A community leader from Kwall, Wakili Tongwe, recounted the attack, revealing that a group of vigilantes and security personnel was conducting a routine patrol nearby when the assailants struck. “We heard gunshots and rushed back to the village, but by the time we arrived, the attackers had already done their damage,” Tongwe said in an interview with Channels Television.
The horrific attack is the latest in a string of violent episodes in Plateau State. Less than two weeks ago, 52 people were killed in Bokkos, a nearby LGA, as armed militants once again targeted vulnerable communities.
While local security forces managed to fend off the attackers, the situation remains dire. Several injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at nearby hospitals, but the emotional toll on the local population is profound.
The recent surge in attacks has drawn national attention, prompting the Federal Government to pledge stronger action. In a statement following the attacks, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun ordered the immediate deployment of police tactical assets to the affected areas to reinforce security operations and curb the escalating violence.
Governor Mutfwang has expressed his belief that these attacks go beyond mere criminal activity. “This is genocide sponsored by terrorists,” he remarked during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today. He stressed that the root causes of the violence remain murky, questioning who is behind the orchestration of these acts and urging the security agencies to investigate further.
The Plateau State Governor also revealed that bandits have reportedly taken control of 64 communities across the state, particularly in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom LGAs. These areas have become hubs for violent groups, and the residents have been forcibly displaced, with the bandits now occupying the land.
A Long History of Violence
Plateau State has been a hotspot for violence for decades, with tensions often fueled by conflicts over resources between farmers and herders. In December 2023, a deadly attack during the Christmas holiday left over 200 people dead in a majority-Christian community. Further violence continued into May 2024, when at least 40 people were killed in Wase, and multiple homes were destroyed.
Experts point to resource competition as a significant factor in the attacks, but Governor Mutfwang has made it clear that there is a much deeper, more sinister agenda at play. “These are not just sporadic acts of violence. They are part of a coordinated effort to destabilize the region,” he said.
The federal authorities have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, with the IGP’s directive to intensify security operations in Plateau State signalling the government’s commitment to ending the violence.
Community and National Reactions
In the wake of the attacks, local leaders and citizens have expressed their frustration and fear. The situation in Plateau State remains precarious, and many are calling for more robust measures to ensure the safety of the people. As the state grapples with these ongoing threats, the government’s ability to provide effective protection to its citizens will be tested in the coming weeks.
The Plateau State Government, alongside federal security forces, has vowed to continue the fight against these forces of terror, but only time will tell if their efforts will succeed in bringing lasting peace to the region.