ABUJA, Nigeria – At least 52 people have been killed in a series of attacks on villages in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, prompting President Bola Tinubu to condemn the violence and vow to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Armed assailants reportedly stormed six villages – Ruwi, Mangor, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai – killing residents and burning homes and food supplies. Among the victims were five children who were reportedly burned beyond recognition.
President Tinubu described the attacks as “intolerable” and directed security forces to track down the attackers and ensure they face severe consequences.
While the Plateau State Police Command has not yet issued an official statement, the state government confirmed that several suspects have been apprehended.
The attacks have prompted calls for urgent action from human rights groups such as Amnesty International, which stated that over 1,300 people were killed in renewed violence across Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi between December 2023 and February 2024.
The conflict in Plateau State is fueled by a complex mix of factors, including climate-related pressures and tensions between Fulani herders and Mwaghavul farmers.
President Tinubu has urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious, and political divisions to build a more peaceful and united nation. He also assured the Plateau State government of the federal government’s full support in restoring safety to the affected communities. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been directed to coordinate immediate relief efforts.
The attacks in Plateau State highlight the ongoing security challenges facing Nigeria and the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of conflict in the region.
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