A surge in violence has struck Plateau State, Nigeria, with at least 28 people reportedly killed in recent attacks. The incidents, concentrated in Manga, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi local government areas, have intensified tensions and disrupted daily life. The violence has already forced some residents to abandon their homes and livelihoods, adding to the region's growing humanitarian concerns. Despite a dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed by the state government, the attacks have continued unabated.
The latest incident occurred on Sunday evening when gunmen ambushed Fulani herders traveling in a pickup vehicle near the Total filling station in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area. Two people were killed, and six others sustained injuries in the attack. According to eyewitnesses, the herders were returning from a cattle market when they were attacked at around 5:30 pm. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with local leaders calling for swift action against those responsible.
Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, Plateau State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, confirmed the incident and described it as unprovoked. He reported that six injured victims were taken to the hospital for treatment, while another person was reported missing. Babayo urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attack, which has heightened fears among local communities.
This latest incident follows another attack on herders around Kassa community in Barkin Ladi, where five people were reportedly killed and another injured. The Plateau State Government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu in an effort to curb the violence. However, the restriction of movement, which runs from 6 pm to 6 am daily, has had limited impact on the security situation. The government has expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation and its impact on local communities.
The renewed attacks have displaced families and disrupted economic activities across several communities. Farming and livestock activities have been severely affected, with hundreds of cattle shot dead and property destroyed. The humanitarian situation in the region continues to deteriorate, with many residents forced to flee their homes in search of safety. Local authorities have called for increased support from the federal government to address the root causes of the violence.
In September alone, several people, including men, women, and children, were reportedly killed in attacks across Plateau State. The violence has resulted in significant humanitarian and economic losses, with many communities affected. The Plateau State Government has urged residents to remain calm and to report any suspicious activities to security agencies. However, the continued attacks have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the government's response to the crisis.
The Plateau State Government, through the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, imposed the curfew on September 21 in response to the escalating violence. Despite this measure, the attacks have continued, highlighting the need for a more effective approach to addressing the security challenges in the region. The government has promised to work with security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attacks and to restore peace to the affected communities.
Key points
- At least 28 people have been killed in renewed attacks across Plateau State.
- The attacks have disrupted farming and livestock activities and displaced families.
- A dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu local government areas.
