The Killings In Plateau By Odiawa Ai

In recent weeks, Plateau State, often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has become a haunting tableau of violence and despair. The recent tragic events have underscored a harrowing narrative of suffering that has gripped communities across the region. On April 2, a brutal assault by Fulani terrorists left 50 individuals dead, displaced 1,800 others, and set ablaze 383 homes in Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and surrounding areas in the Manguna and Bokkos Local Government Areas.

This wave of violence reflects a disturbing trend in Nigeria, where the state appears increasingly powerless to protect its citizens. The government's response has been characterized by inaction, as evidenced by the helplessness with which it has observed the carnage. Security forces, led by their heads, have made symbolic visits to affected areas, yet these gestures do little to alleviate the overwhelming sense of insecurity among the populace. Such responses evoke the grim reality of a state that is losing its grip on the fundamental duty of protecting its citizens.

The Global Terrorism Index underscores Nigeria's precarious position, ranking it sixth in the world in 2025, with a score of 7.658 out of 10. This ranking reflects a steady deterioration, with Nigeria previously placed eighth in both 2023 and 2024. The ongoing conflict in Plateau State is emblematic of a broader crisis that has spiraled out of control, as the Nigerian government has seemingly ceded its authority to non-state actors who now operate with impunity.

The Bola Tinubu administration has been marked by violence, with the first major attack occurring during the 2023 Christmas season, when 62 villages in Plateau were assaulted, resulting in 140 deaths. Despite the scale of these tragedies, no perpetrators have been held accountable, further eroding public trust in the government’s ability to maintain order and justice. Following this period, Fulani attackers have continued their onslaught, wreaking havoc on local communities with devastating consequences.

In response to the escalating violence, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has initiated meetings with various interest groups and security agencies in an attempt to quell the ongoing crisis. However, the effectiveness of these meetings remains to be seen, as the historical context of violence in Plateau State raises questions about the government's commitment to genuine resolution. Since 1994, the region has witnessed a relentless cycle of violence, beginning with the tragic loss of five lives due to community tensions over local governance. The situation intensified between 2001 and 2005, claiming over 2,000 lives, leading then-President Olusegun Obasanjo to declare a state of emergency. He attributed the failure to restore peace to Governor Joshua Dariye, a narrative that continues to confuse and frustrate citizens seeking justice and safety.

As the central government maintains control over the security apparatus—from the police to the military—efforts to quell the persistent cycle of violence have repeatedly fallen short. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State serves as a reminder of the government’s reliance on familiar yet ineffective measures.

Despite such declarations, the specter of violence continues to loom large over Plateau State. A report by Human Rights Watch reveals that since 2001, conflicts in the region have resulted in the tragic loss of more than 7,000 lives and the displacement of approximately 220,000 individuals. The situation escalated dramatically in January 2010 when police reported that 326 people were killed in Jos, the state capital, following clashes between Muslim and Christian gangs.

The violence in Plateau is complex, with the underlying causes often tied to religious, ethnic, communal, and gang-related tensions. A recent analysis by primeprogress.com highlights how the nature of these conflicts can vary significantly depending on the geographical context, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the crisis. Unfortunately, the political leadership, rather than offering solutions, seems to exacerbate the chaos.

For instance, during a May 2004 meeting in Jos aimed at addressing the recurring violence, then-President Olusegun Obasanjo directed blame at the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, an action interpreted by many as a diversionary tactic to evade responsibility. This lack of accountability and decisive action has become a hallmark of successive administrations, with none managing to stem the tide of violence.

The deployment of special military units to Plateau State has not yielded the desired peace; instead, the bloodshed has intensified. Observers suggest that the clashes are partly fueled by competition over land between indigenous ethnic groups and Fulani herdsmen, leading to mutual accusations of ethnic cleansing. However, this is not the sole contributing factor to the violence; a myriad of reasons—including climate change, attacks by violent Fulani herders on settled farmers, economic disparities, political tensions, indigene-settler disputes, an increasing population, water scarcity, and illegal mining—compound the situation.

The need for a comprehensive approach to address these issues has never been more urgent. A critical component of any viable solution involves the decisive disarming of all warring factions by security agencies. While authorities frequently claim to make arrests, the lack of documented convictions raises concerns about the effectiveness of these efforts and the overall commitment to restoring peace.

Recent incidents, such as the tragic April 2 attacks in Bokkos, where heaps of yams were set ablaze, highlight a disturbing trend of clashes over land and resources. Such acts of destruction not only threaten individual livelihoods but also exacerbate the already dire food scarcity facing our nation. When farmers are unable to access their lands due to violence, the implications for food security are profound and far-reaching.

The ongoing conflicts between violent herders and indigenous communities across Nigeria demand urgent attention. These herders often claim they are in search of grazing land, yet their actions have led to a cycle of violence that destabilizes rural areas and threatens agricultural production. It is imperative that government authorities at all levels take decisive action to rein in these violent groups. A sustainable solution lies in the establishment of ranches in various states, which could effectively curtail the practice of open grazing and reduce conflicts over land.

Moreover, the urgent need for security reform cannot be overstated. The National Assembly must prioritize the accelerated approval of the establishment of state police forces. In a time of rising insecurity, it is crucial for governors to have the authority to oversee the security apparatus within their states. This local oversight can lead to more effective responses to the unique security challenges facing different regions.

The multifaceted nature of our security challenges is compounded by a growing population and the influx of foreigners through Nigeria's porous borders. The existing federal police system, which has proven to be ineffective, is ill-equipped to handle the diverse security needs of our vast nation. It is absurd to expect a single federal police force to manage security across every corner of Nigeria, particularly when the current system has been marked by well-documented failures.

Compounding these issues, a staggering 150,000 out of the 380,000 police officers in Nigeria are reportedly attached to VIPs, leaving a significant shortfall in the number of officers available to protect ordinary citizens. This misallocation of resources severely hampers the ability of law enforcement to address the needs of the populace.

Additionally, the Nigerian Armed Forces are stretched thin, with military personnel deployed in all 36 states to combat banditry and Islamic insurgency in the North. This overextension raises concerns about the military's capacity to effectively manage security threats while also addressing the needs of the civilian population.

In contrast, other countries, such as the United States, operate with a multi-layered policing system that allows for localized responses to security issues. For instance, with approximately 18,000 police forces in the U.S., policing is tailored to meet the specific needs of different communities. Nigeria stands out as the only nation among 26 federal states that does not practice a similar approach, which is unwise given our unique security landscape.

The killings in Plateau, a stark reminder of the ongoing violence and instability, have raised critical questions regarding the adequacy of our leadership and the response of our government to crises.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's response to the escalating violence has drawn significant criticism. While his residence was reportedly under threat, he chose to travel to France for what was termed a "working visit." This decision is perplexing, especially when compared to the actions of leaders in other nations who typically cut short international engagements in the face of domestic crises. Notably, how many crisis zones has President Tinubu visited since his election? A leader's presence during turbulent times at home is not just symbolic but essential for fostering national unity and reassurance.

History has shown us that past presidents have often prioritized international diplomacy over pressing domestic issues. In February 1983, then-President Shehu Shagari was in India while the NET building burned. Similarly, President Goodluck Jonathan was campaigning in Kano during the heartbreaking news of the Chibok abductions in April 2014. More recently, Muhammadu Buhari spent an extended period in the UK for medical treatment while Nigeria faced various crises. Unfortunately, these patterns reflect a troubling trend of disengagement from pressing issues at home.

The situation in Plateau State is exacerbated by the rising prices of food items, directly linked to the violent displacement of farmers across the nation. The ongoing acts of impunity by herdsmen must no longer be tolerated. It is disheartening to witness selective outrage from Northern leaders, who expressed significant concern over the lynching of 16 Fulani travelers but seemed to overlook the tragic loss of 50 lives in Plateau. Such disparities in reaction diminish the value of human life and highlight a disturbing trend of prioritizing certain narratives over others.

The inability to curtail the violence perpetrated by herdsmen is a damning indictment of our governments and security agencies. Compounding this issue is Nigeria’s legal system, which often discourages individuals from defending their communities against attacks. A recent ruling by the Supreme Court upheld the unjust conviction of Sunday Jackson, a farmer in Adamawa State, simply for defending his property from an invasion. This precedent sends a chilling message to citizens who are left vulnerable and disempowered in the face of violence.

Furthermore, the status of Wase Local Government Area in Plateau has become a contentious topic. Since General Ibrahim Babangida designated Wase as a distinct LGA and federal constituency for the Fulani, local indigenous communities have reportedly felt marginalized and neglected. The socio-political dynamics in Plateau continue to deteriorate, raising urgent concerns about equitable governance and representation.

Nigeria grapples with the implications of ongoing violence in Plateau State, the signs of a failing state are becoming increasingly evident. The inability of the government to effectively manage security and uphold the rule of law not only threatens the stability of Plateau but poses a broader risk to national unity and peace. A concerted effort involving dialogue, reconciliation, and a genuine commitment to addressing the root causes of conflict is essential for the future of this troubled region. Without such measures, the cycle of violence is likely to persist, further entrenching Nigeria's status as a nation in crisis.

The stark reality is that Plateau State, once a symbol of unity and beauty, now bears the scars of a failed response to violence and insecurity. The repeated tragedies serve as a somber reminder that without decisive action and accountability from the government, the cycle of violence will persist, leaving communities in mourning and the state in disarray.

As we reflect on these developments, the need for urgent and effective measures cannot be overstated. The people of Plateau State deserve more than mere promises; they deserve safety, justice, and the restoration of peace.

The plight of Plateau State serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for effective governance and a robust security framework to address the challenges facing Nigeria today.

The escalating violence in Nigeria, particularly in the context of the Plateau killings, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in our security framework. As we navigate this critical farming season, it is imperative that our leaders take swift action to ensure the safety of farmers and the protection of food security in our country.

Lastly, the killings in Plateau are not merely isolated incidents but indicative of a broader failure within our national framework. As citizens, we must demand accountability from our leaders and a commitment to addressing the root causes of violence and insecurity in our communities. A proactive and engaged leadership is crucial for restoring faith in our governance structures and ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.