By John Umeh
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in the state, disclosing that no fewer than 64 communities have been overtaken by bandits. Speaking during an appearance on a Channels Television programme aired on Tuesday, April 8, the governor stated that the affected areas span across Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom local government areas.
“These communities that recently came under attack had previously been targeted in 2023 but managed to survive and rebuild,” Muftwang explained. “For instance, Ruwi community lost around 17 people during the 2023 attacks but showed remarkable resilience in rebuilding their lives.”
In just the past week, over 50 people were reportedly killed in renewed assaults on five communities, with more than 300 homes set ablaze by suspected herdsmen. The wave of violence has reignited national concern over the persistent insecurity plaguing Nigeria’s North-Central region.
To address the immediate aftermath, Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, led a state delegation to the affected communities to evaluate the destruction and distribute relief materials to displaced residents.
Despite the devastating impact, Governor Muftwang noted that such attacks are sadly not new to Plateau State. “These violent incidents have persisted for nearly a decade. It clearly points to a deliberate and systematic effort to displace communities and seize their lands,” he said.
The governor further lamented the lack of sustained national attention on the issue. “As I speak, no fewer than 64 communities in Plateau have been forcefully taken over by bandits. They’ve been renamed, and people now live on lands from which the original inhabitants were violently displaced,” he added.
In response to the ongoing crisis, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited the state and assured residents that the Federal Government is committed to ending the cycle of violence and restoring peace to Plateau.
