A disturbing accusation has emerged from Jebbu Binde village in Ta-Hoss District, located within the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. Rev. Davou Musa, a prominent community leader and Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC) of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Riyom, has alleged that soldiers stationed nearby actively supported Fulani militias in the attack that left over 30 villagers dead. Rev. Musa made this serious allegation during a visit by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who came for an immediate, on-the-spot evaluation of the devastating incident and to extend his condolences to the grieving community. The RCC Chairman emphasized that the attackers, who operated in large numbers, freely invaded the village and carried out their violent assault for several hours. Shockingly, military personnel positioned a mere 200 meters away failed to intervene. He stressed that such an extended operation could not have occurred without some level of military collusion or direct support. Rev. Musa further lamented that despite multiple urgent and desperate pleas for assistance during the attack, the military refused to come to their rescue. He criticized the soldiers’ inaction and labeled their conduct as complicity, especially as no suspects were arrested following the massacre. In his statement, Rev. Musa directly blamed the military for abandoning their constitutional duty to safeguard lives and property. He demanded the federal government immediately withdraw the special military task force deployed to the community, stating their presence offers no protection to the locals. “I have communicated this clearly to the GOC (General Officer Commanding), and I’m repeating it again: his men are openly siding with the Fulani, even assisting in the destruction of farms and grazing fields,” Musa asserted. He elaborated that the attackers destroyed homes, looted food supplies, and even burned down a church during their onslaught. Many villagers sustained serious injuries, adding to the community’s anguish and losses. Rev. Musa also accused the military of being compromised, alleging that soldiers prioritized the safety of Fulani cattle over human lives. He pointed out a disturbing pattern: whenever Fulani herders report incidents like cattle rustling, security forces respond promptly, deploying several armed personnel in Hilux trucks to recover stolen cattle and apprehend suspects. Conversely, Rev. Musa noted that when local villages suffer fatal attacks and widespread destruction, the military’s response is either sluggish or entirely absent. This inconsistency has fueled widespread suspicion and concern about the true motives and loyalties of the security forces in the region. “The military’s selective response makes it evident they are shielding the attackers instead of protecting our people. Human lives should be paramount, yet our attackers are given more security coverage than the communities under siege,” Rev. Musa alleged. This alarming claim has intensified public outrage over the perceived partiality of security forces operating in conflict-prone areas of Nigeria, especially in Plateau State, where clashes between local communities and Fulani militias have repeatedly resulted in mass casualties.
Plateau State Community Suffers Devastating Armed Assault In a tragic turn of events, the Gyenbwas community in Langai District, Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, Nigeria, was attacked by unidentified armed men who set ablaze 96 houses and looted valuable property. According to eye-witness reports and local authorities, the attackers raided the village with calculated precision—stealing food items, mattresses, livestock, and personal belongings worth millions of Naira. The community remains in shock following the death of three residents due to the incident. Statement from Traditional Ruler Alhaji Yakubu Umar Madugun Langai, Alhaji Yakubu Umar, confirmed that two people were initially reported dead on Monday, with a third body recovered on Tuesday, bringing the total death toll to three casualties. He expressed deep concern over the extent of the destruction: “This is unprecedented. The perpetrators destroyed food supplies, work tools, clothing, and other essentials. We’ve always lived peacefully with everyone, which is why this attack is so shocking.” Community Tensions and Allegations There are tensions surrounding the incident, as some locals alleged that members of the Berom ethnic group may have been involved. However, representatives of the Berom community have denied these accusations. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are urged to maintain objectivity and fairness in addressing the issue. Call for Government Action and Emergency Relief The traditional leader has called on Mangu LGA officials and the Plateau State Government to: Local residents are currently displaced and in urgent need of shelter, food, and medical assistance. Conclusion The Gyenbwas attack in Plateau State is a sobering reminder of the fragile peace in many Nigerian rural communities. As local leaders urge for calm and call for government support, the victims of this tragedy face an uncertain future without immediate aid and intervention. If you’re a concerned citizen or organization, consider reaching out to verified NGOs and relief efforts currently working in Plateau State to assist affected families.
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Overview of the Crisis in Plateau State In recent weeks, Plateau State has faced a series of deadly attacks across multiple communities, particularly within the Bokkos Local Government Area. These assaults have led to the tragic deaths of over 50 individuals, with thousands forced to flee their homes, leaving entire villages in ruins. The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has now openly declared these violent incidents as sponsored acts of genocide, emphasizing the urgent need for national and international attention. Governor Mutfwang’s Stand on the Violence Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Governor Mutfwang expressed deep concern about the targeted destruction of communities within the state. He firmly stated that the nature and coordination of the attacks suggest the involvement of terrorist networks backed by unnamed sponsors. “I can tell you in all honesty that I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists,” he said. The governor stressed the importance of holding the perpetrators and their financiers accountable, urging Nigerian security agencies to collaborate and dig deep into the roots of the violence. “This is being sponsored from somewhere, and I am sure that in the coming days, the security agencies will work together – not at cross purposes but in unison – to be able to bring out the requisite intelligence,” Mutfwang added. A Recurring Tragedy in Plateau State This isn’t the first time Plateau has experienced such heinous assaults. For years, the state has remained a flashpoint of violent clashes, often linked to land disputes and conflicts between herders and farmers. However, according to Governor Mutfwang, the current wave of killings goes beyond resource disputes and clearly resembles organized terrorism. The Need for National Security Collaboration Governor Mutfwang has appealed for greater intelligence sharing, effective deployment of security forces, and international support in combating the rising terrorist threats in North-Central Nigeria. He believes that without identifying and neutralizing the sponsors, lasting peace cannot be achieved in the region. What’s Next for Plateau State? As affected families continue to seek refuge and recover from their losses, calls for justice and a permanent end to violence grow louder. The Plateau State Government is committed to supporting displaced persons and rebuilding communities. How Insecurity Affects Rural Development in Nigeria For a broader view on similar issues, read this report from Human Rights Watch on Nigeria’s communal violence. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has denounced narratives portraying the recent spate of violence in the state as farmer-herder disputes. Speaking at the Tincity Fashion Week and Arts Exhibition in Abuja, the governor clarified that the attacks are coordinated acts of violence orchestrated by malicious actors he labeled as “conflict merchants.” The comment comes in the wake of brutal assaults on April 2 in Manguno, Daffo, and Josho communities in Bokkos Local Government Area, where armed assailants killed multiple residents and razed homes and properties worth millions of naira. “This is not a farmer-herder crisis,” Governor Mutfwang stressed. “This is an act of coordinated criminality by those intent on undermining the peace and stability of Plateau State.” The governor assured citizens that his administration is actively working with national security agencies to implement concrete security strategies aimed at averting further violence and restoring peace. Despite the tragedy, the event organizers chose to move forward with the fashion week to shine a light on the cultural richness and tourism value of Plateau State. Mutfwang praised the decision, saying, “While we considered cancelling the event due to recent events, we ultimately chose to showcase the enduring beauty and strength of Plateau.” Also present at the exhibition, Mr. Chuwang Pwajok, General Manager of the Plateau Tourism Board, emphasized that the state is a goldmine for tourism and natural resources. On behalf of the event organizers, Miss Christabel Bentu acknowledged the governor’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and cultural preservation. Among the dignitaries in attendance were former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Minister of Women Affairs Pauline Tallen. Why This Matters This development underscores a growing concern about the mislabeling of organized attacks as communal conflicts in Nigeria. As noted by Amnesty International, failure to identify and prosecute perpetrators of mass killings can fuel further unrest and instability. For more updates on violence prevention and regional news, check out our article on how to prevent attacks in rural communities in Nigeria. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
