In the aftermath of the brutal attacks that claimed the lives of at least 50 individuals in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, the Northern Senators Forum has strongly condemned the violence, calling for immediate and comprehensive security reforms to prevent further bloodshed.
The attack, which unfolded across five communities within Bokkos, has left dozens dead, with many others injured or missing. The shocking nature of the assault has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, prompting urgent calls for unity and decisive action to address the ongoing insecurity that threatens to destabilize the region.
Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, issued a powerful statement decrying the violence, underscoring that such attacks “have no place in our society” and must not be allowed to continue. He expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and commended the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for his tireless efforts in preventing further violence between ethnic groups.
“The senseless killings that have occurred in Bokkos Local Government are a stark reminder of the growing insecurity we face across the country. We cannot allow this to become the new norm,” Yar’adua said in his statement. “This attack must be a wake-up call for all Nigerians. We must stand together, work with the government and security agencies, and create a more secure future for our citizens.”
The assault, which occurred just days ago, targeted communities including Hurti, Ruwi, and Manguna, among others. Armed assailants left a trail of destruction in their wake, with over 380 homes destroyed and thousands displaced. Local officials have described the violence as “coordinated,” pointing to a larger, organized effort by criminal groups to further destabilize the region.
In a separate development, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, convened an emergency peace meeting with local stakeholders in Plateau. During the meeting, Oluyede urged residents to embrace peace and coexistence, while assuring that the Nigerian military would remain neutral and professional in their approach. The Chief of Army Staff’s presence highlighted the growing sense of urgency within the military to restore order to the region.
However, the situation worsened when an ambush targeted the convoy of Plateau State’s Secretary to the Government, Samuel Jatau, as he was traveling to Bokkos on Sunday. While no casualties were reported, the attack further underscored the escalating threat of armed groups operating in the area.
Governor Mutfwang has worked relentlessly to calm tensions and prevent retaliatory violence between various communities, a task that becomes more challenging with each new attack. In a statement, Mutfwang described the violence as the result of “conflict merchants” rather than traditional farmer-herder disputes, suggesting that the motives behind the attacks go beyond local grievances and involve organized criminal elements seeking to destabilize the region.
The Northern Senators Forum has called for a radical overhaul of security operations, urging both the federal government and state authorities to prioritize safety in Plateau and surrounding areas. Senator Yar’adua expressed that the failure to address these threats could lead Plateau to become the “new epicenter of violence” in Nigeria.
The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has also joined the chorus of calls for urgent action. The group’s spokesperson, Dr. Ladan Salihu, stressed that the Plateau attacks marked a “grave dent in our humanity” and warned that without swift and decisive security interventions, the violence would only worsen, further jeopardizing the lives of Nigerians across the country.
As Plateau grapples with the aftermath of these horrific attacks, the voices of concerned leaders are calling for unity, security, and action. The tragedy has highlighted the need for collaborative efforts between government, security agencies, and local communities to tackle the root causes of violence and ensure lasting peace.
The Northern Senators Forum, in its condemnation, emphasized that “we cannot afford to fail” in ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, particularly in regions plagued by recurring violence. For many, this attack represents not only a loss of life but also a challenge to the nation’s resolve to combat insecurity and promote peace. The calls for urgent reforms and coordinated security efforts will remain at the forefront of national discourse as the country seeks to overcome these trying times.