- Sponsored Genocide: Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang describes the recent violence as “sponsored genocide,” with armed bandits taking control of at least 64 villages.
- Violence and Displacement: Over 50 lives have been lost, and thousands displaced, particularly in the Bokkos Local Government Area.
- Systematic Attacks: The attacks have been systematic and organized, with communities razed and residents forced to flee their ancestral lands.
- Security Response: The Inspector-General of Police has deployed a counter-terrorism squad to troubled communities.
- Federal Intervention: Calls are growing for urgent federal intervention, including a robust security response to reclaim occupied territories and protect vulnerable communities.
Plateau State in Nigeria is experiencing a surge in violence, with Governor Caleb Mutfwang describing the situation as “sponsored genocide”. Armed bandits, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, have taken control of at least 64 villages, resulting in over 50 deaths and thousands displaced, particularly in the Bokkos Local Government Area.
The Violence and Displacement
The attacks have been systematic and organized, with communities razed and residents forced to flee their ancestral lands. Homes, schools, churches, and markets have been destroyed, leaving many without access to essential services like healthcare and education. The displaced individuals are now living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
Governor’s Concerns and Security Response
Governor Mutfwang is pushing for cohesive action among security agencies to identify and dismantle the networks behind the violence. The Inspector-General of Police has deployed a counter-terrorism squad to troubled communities, and the Nigerian Army has also been involved in efforts to restore peace .
Background and Reactions
Plateau State has long experienced ethno-religious and resource-based conflicts between farming communities and herders. However, the scale and coordination of the recent attacks suggest more sinister motives. The Fulani coalition has condemned the resurgence of violence in Plateau State, and calls are growing for urgent federal intervention, including a robust security response to reclaim occupied territories and protect vulnerable communities .
Human Rights and International Concerns
Human rights groups, such as Amnesty International and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), have expressed concern over the situation. Amnesty International has called for justice for the victims and an end to the “pattern of mass killings and government inaction” in central Nigeria. HURIWA has backed Governor Mutfwang’s claims, stating that the attacks are coordinated acts of genocide against the native people of Plateau State .
