Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang has raised concerns over the escalating security crisis in the state, revealing that at least 64 communities have been overtaken by bandits. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, April 8, the governor stated that the affected communities span across Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom local government areas.
“These communities that have recently been attacked were among those targeted in 2023, but they survived and rebuilt,” he explained. “The Ruwi community, which was initially attacked, lost about 17 people in 2023, but they bounced back, demonstrating the resilience of the people.”
In the past week, more than 50 individuals have been reported killed in fresh attacks across five communities, and over 300 houses have been set on fire by suspected herdsmen. The ongoing violence has once again sparked national concern over the persistent insecurity in the North-Central region.
The Plateau State Government, led by Secretary to the State Government Samuel Jatau, has visited some of the affected areas to assess the damage and deliver relief materials to the displaced victims.
Despite the ongoing tragedy, Governor Muftwang emphasized that such attacks are not a new occurrence for the state. “If these attacks have been happening for nearly 10 years, it indicates a deliberate, concerted effort to clear populations and take over the land,” he said.
The governor also expressed frustration that these invasions have not garnered sufficient national attention over the years. “As I speak to you, no fewer than 64 communities have been overtaken by bandits in Plateau State. These areas have been renamed, and people now live there on lands where they forcibly displaced others,” he added.
In response to the crisis, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited Plateau State and assured residents that the Federal Government is determined to end the cycle of violence and restore peace to the region.
