Plateau State Killings Escalate: Dozens Dead in Fresh Attacks
Recent Attacks:
* Bus Attack on Wedding Guests: On Friday, June 20, 2025, a passenger bus carrying wedding guests from Zaria (Kaduna State) to Jos was ambushed in the Mangu area of Plateau State. Reports vary on the death toll, with police stating some passengers were killed without providing a specific number, while Amnesty International reported 12 immediate deaths and 11 injuries. Police have arrested 22 suspects in connection with this attack.
* Attacks in Bokkos and Mangu LGAs: On Thursday, June 19, 2025, suspected herdsmen launched night assaults on communities in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.
* In Juwan village, Tangur District of Bokkos LGA, 10 people, mostly children and the elderly, were killed, and several others injured.
* In Manja community, Chafem Chiefdom of Mangu LGA, three farmers were killed while working on their farmlands. Assailants later returned to Manja, burning over 20 houses and displacing residents.
Reactions and Concerns:
* President Tinubu's Condemnation: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has strongly condemned the killing of travelers en route to Jos, calling the incident "barbaric and utterly unacceptable." He has directed security agencies to investigate and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice, emphasizing that freedom of movement is non-negotiable.
* Governor Mutfwang's Stance: Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has consistently maintained that the ongoing attacks are not merely farmer-herder clashes but a "coordinated crime sponsored by conflict merchants." He has vowed that the state will not allow its communities to be turned into "killing fields" and that his government, with security agencies, is taking measures to prevent future occurrences. He also states that this violence is a deliberate attempt to push people into poverty by preventing them from cultivating their farms, especially at the onset of the farming season.
* Legislators' Appeals: Mathew Kwarpo, the lawmaker representing Mangu South in the Plateau State House of Assembly, described the attacks as "unbearable" and called on President Tinubu and relevant authorities to intervene, suggesting it appears to be a "calculated attempt to take over our land."
* Security Challenges: The attacks highlight the persistent security challenges in Plateau State, particularly in Bokkos, Bassa, and Mangu LGAs, which have faced continuous violence, displacement, and destruction.
* Lack of Clear Intelligence: Former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, has expressed concern that the lack of clear intelligence on the perpetrators' identity, leadership, goals, or structure is hindering conflict resolution efforts.
The situation remains tense, with ongoing efforts by security forces to address the violence and bring perpetrators to justice.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
