Tears and anguish have swept through the farming communities of Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) in Plateau State, following a brutal massacre that left dozens dead and properties destroyed.
The attack carried out by suspected armed herders and terrorist groups, has sparked widespread condemnation from civil society organizations (CSOs) and local leaders in the region.
The one which occurred on April 2nd, 2025 is the latest in a long series of targeted assaults that have devastated Plateau’s Middle Belt communities.
At a press conference held in Jos, the Coalition of Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities, led by Professor Abraham Dogo, condemned the massacre in no uncertain terms, labeling it a “genocide.”
“These were peaceful, hardworking farmers men, women, and children slaughtered in cold blood by armed herders and terrorist agents,” Dogo stated.
He highlighted that the attack was not an isolated incident but part of a coordinated campaign aimed at displacing and eradicating indigenous communities from their ancestral lands.
Echoing these sentiments, the Plateau State Civil Society Organization Forum, led by Reverend Chris Damcher and Dr Laulatu Piwuna, also condemned the ongoing violence.
The Forum emphasised the targeted killings over the past two decades in areas like Bokkos, Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, and Ryom LGAs.
According to Damcher, these attacks, driven by Fulani herders with interests in agriculture, livestock, and illegal mining, have left communities in fear for their survival.
The civil society leaders expressed grave concerns over the seeming inaction of federal and local government agencies in responding to the violence.
They acknowledged the efforts of Governor Caleb Mutfwang in providing relief for displaced persons, calling for sustained and proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities.
“Despite large sums being spent on security, the situation has not improved,” said Damcher, criticising the lack of accountability for arrested suspects.
The coalition and CSOs also issued urgent calls for international intervention, appealing to the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, and Amnesty International to take a stand.
“Your silence is complicity,” Dogo warned, urging global bodies to act.
Both groups expressed support for the Plateau State Government’s response to the humanitarian needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) but called for stronger measures to protect communities and hold perpetrators accountable.
They also urged the government to revisit the recommendations from the security task force on the return of IDPs to their ancestral lands.
A solemn moment of silence was observed for the victims of the Bokkos massacre at the conclusion of the press conference, with leaders stressing the need for unity and resistance. “An injury to one is an injury to all,” Dogo concluded.
“We will not be defeated. We will not be silent. Justice must prevail.”
As Plateau continues to mourn and demand justice, the cry for an end to the violence grows louder, the community unites to defend their lands and livelihoods for the future of the Middle Belt.
