Plateau Communities Under Siege

The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has strongly condemned the sustained attacks on rural communities, declaring that the crisis is no longer a mere herder-farmer conflict, but an act of genocide against the indigenous people of Plateau.

Speaking during the Experience Plateau: Art Meets Fashion event held in Abuja, the Governor said:

“What is happening is not a farmer-herder conflict. It is genocide. The world must take note.”

On Friday, March 28, 2025, no fewer than 52 people, including children, were killed in fresh attacks on Bokkos and Bassa LGAs. Governor Mutfwang lamented the recurring tragedies but insisted the spirit of Plateau people remains unbroken.

“Life Must Go On,” Says the Governor

Despite pressure to cancel the Abuja event in honour of the victims, the Governor explained his reason for proceeding:

“The attackers want to keep us in perpetual mourning, to force us indoors. But life must go on. Plateau must move forward by the grace of God.”

He pledged to expose and prosecute those behind the atrocities:

“We will no longer allow those arrested to walk free. The blood of our people cries out for justice.”

Rigwe People Cry Out: “We Are Near Extinction”

In response to the Bokkos killings, the Irigwe ethnic group of Bassa LGA raised concerns over what they describe as a slow erasure of their people.

The Irigwe Development Association (IDA) released a statement in Jos, revealing chilling statistics from an independent study conducted by Gastor Barrie:

2,866 attacks since 2001

1,107 deaths

27,330 farms and 20,836 homes destroyed

“Our people are languishing in poverty. We’ve become regular headlines for the wrong reasons,” the IDA stated.

Northern CAN: “This Bloodletting Must Stop”

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the FCT also condemned the killings. Chairman Rev. Joseph John Hayab said:

“We condemn this barbaric and tragic attack. Hiding under religion or ethnicity to take lives is unacceptable. This evil must not continue.”

CAN urged security agencies to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and ensure justice is served.

League of Northern Democrats (LND) Calls for Independent Probe

The League of Northern Democrats (LND) demanded an independent investigation into the attacks along the Bokkos–Mangu corridor.

Spokesman Dr. Ladan Salihu said:

“The gruesome killing of 52 innocent lives is a dent in our humanity. We stand in prayer and solidarity with Plateau.”

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF): Plateau Can’t Be the Next Frontline

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) described the March 28 attacks as “frightening and disheartening,” urging the Federal Government to declare a security emergency in the region.

In a statement by Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, ACF said:

“Every new attack is one too many. The killing spree must stop. Peace must return to Plateau.”

The ACF called for early-warning systems and community-based response strategies to prevent further bloodshed.

Hope Amid Crisis

Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s commitment to economic revival and peace-building, noting Plateau’s rich potential in tourism, agriculture, and creative enterprise.

“We’re partnering with the Industrial Training Fund to revive local skills, empower young people, and upgrade textile infrastructure,” he said.

He ended with a firm promise:

“Let it be known: we will farm this year. No amount of intimidation will stop us.”

🕊️ Final Thoughts

The March 2025 Bokkos attacks are a grim reminder of the fragile peace in parts of Nigeria. But as voices rise from the state government to ethnic associations and religious groups, one thing is clear: Plateau’s people are determined not to be broken.