PLATEAU UPDATE: Governors to stakeholders: Resolve differences through dialogue

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has urged stakeholders in Plateau State to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than hostility. The call was made on Thursday during a condolence visit to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of Plateau State following the recent killings of over 100 persons in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas. […]

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has urged stakeholders in Plateau State to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than hostility.

The call was made on Thursday during a condolence visit to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of Plateau State following the recent killings of over 100 persons in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas.

At least 50 people were reportedly killed when gunmen attacked Kimakpa village in Miango District, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State on April 14.

The assault occurred less than two weeks after similar coordinated attacks claimed numerous lives across five communities in Bokkos and Mangu LGAs.

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Authorities have been struggling to curb the escalating violence in the state, which has long grappled with deep-seated ethnic and communal tensions.

In a bid to restore order, the Plateau State government on Wednesday imposed a ban on night grazing, cattle transportation, and motorcycle movement after 7:00 pm.

The governors’ delegation, led by their chairman and Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, visited the Government House in Jos.

AbdulRazaq expressed condolences to the families of the victims and commended security agencies for preventing further escalation.

“On behalf of the NGF and the people of our states, we express deep condolences over the tragic events that claimed the lives of many of our compatriots.

“We urge leaders and influencers across all communities and sectors in Plateau to rally behind Governor Mutfwang in uniting the people and fostering lasting peace.

“Youth leaders and other stakeholders must denounce violence in all its forms. Differences should be resolved through dialogue, fair negotiations, mutual respect, and empathy.

“Sustainable development cannot thrive in a climate of unrest. Plateau State holds immense potential in agriculture and tourism, but this can only be realised in a peaceful environment.

“We commend Governor Mutfwang for his leadership during this difficult time. Our visit demonstrates our solidarity with him, the government, and the good people of Plateau. May God grant peace to the souls of the departed and restore harmony to our communities,” AbdulRazaq said.

In response, Governor Mutfwang appreciated the NGF’s solidarity, saying the visit would uplift the spirits of Plateau residents and reassure them they are not alone.

He said his administration has focused on building bridges of unity across religious and ethnic lines, and described the recent violence as a major setback.

The governor reiterated his openness to constructive suggestions on addressing insecurity, noting that the violence witnessed in just one week was entirely avoidable. He also lamented the growing occupation of forests by criminal elements.

Accompanying AbdulRazaq were Borno State governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Bauchi State governor and PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman, Senator Bala Mohammed, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, and Nasarawa State deputy governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, who represented Governor Abdullahi Sule.

 

70 houses razed; 63-year-old herder killed in Mangu

At least 70 houses were reportedly burned and a 63-year-old herder, Sale Amadu, was killed in attacks on four communities in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.

Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Mangu, Musa Muhammad, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust on Thursday.

He said 19 cattle were also rustled by the assailants.

The affected communities in Langai District include Anguwan Sale, Koupgai, Anguwan Bature, and Geshon.

According to him, the attacks occurred on Sunday evening while residents went about their daily activities.

“It was an unprovoked attack. The gunmen arrived in large numbers and moved from one community to another, shooting indiscriminately and setting homes on fire,” he said.

He added that the incident was reported to the Forward Operating Base Commander in Gymbwas, Capt. Zuka, who visited the scene and promised to investigate and ensure justice was served.

Muhammad urged the state government and security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident.

 

Mutfwang orders probe into cattle poisoning in Bassa

The Plateau State government has launched an investigation into the alleged poisoning of 36 cattle near Tafi Gana junction in Bassa LGA.

Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joice Ramnap, made this known on Thursday, responding to a report by the GAFDAN Media Team that 36 cows belonging to Mallam Samaila Nuhu were poisoned on April 16, 2025.

“The government is deeply concerned about this report. We urge the public to remain calm and avoid speculation that could incite tension,” she said.

She added that in line with Governor Mutfwang’s commitment to justice and peaceful coexistence, the Ministry of Livestock Development, Veterinary Services, and Fisheries has been directed to begin a thorough investigation.

A team of veterinary experts, environmental officers, and field investigators has already been deployed to gather samples and verify the facts, she said.

“The government remains committed to peaceful cohabitation, inclusive dialogue, and sustainable solutions to land use and grazing issues.

“We call on all stakeholders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and allow due process to prevail,” Ramnap added.

 

DIG visits herder community over loss of cattle

Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), B.D. Kwazhi visited Maraban Dare village in Bassa LGA of Plateau State on Thursday, where 36 cattle were allegedly poisoned on Wednesday.

Our correspondent gathered that the cattle reportedly consumed poisoned garden eggs scattered around their grazing area.

During the visit, the DIG, accompanied by officers from the Plateau State Police Command, sympathised with the affected herder and urged the community to remain calm. He assured them that those responsible would be apprehended and prosecuted.

The DIG also held a stakeholders’ meeting with community leaders, including the Sarki, the Ardo (MACBAN Chairman), and other elders, to reduce tension and promote peace.

He emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence among communities, regardless of their differences.

Chairman of Bassa LGA, Dr Joshua Riti, condemned the act and appealed for calm, stressing the need for unity among the diverse tribes in the area.

He assured that law enforcement agencies were handling the matter. 

 

Sheikh Jingir condemns attacks, calls for unity

Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) has condemned the recent attacks in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs and urged both state and federal governments to act proactively on early warning signals to prevent crises.

Speaking during a media chat in Jos, the National Chairman of JIBWIS’ Council of Ulama, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, also decried the rise in “Sara Suka” gang violence in Jos.

“I have heard about the tragedies in Bokkos and Bassa, as well as the activities of the Yan Sara Suka. May Allah bring an end to these evil occurrences,” he prayed.

Sheikh Jingir urged herders and farmers to recognise their mutual dependence and resolve disputes amicably.

“If you’re a herder, don’t let your cows destroy farm produce. If you’re a farmer, don’t poison or kill cattle. Let’s embrace peace,” he urged.

He also called on governments and security agencies to act quickly in preventing crises, saying “Government must be attentive to early warning signs and engage stakeholders in meaningful dialogue.”

He emphasised that peace is essential for everyone-regardless of religion or social status.

“Without peace, families, communities, and the nation cannot thrive,” he said.

He urged public officials to pursue justice, fairness, and respect for human rights. “Governance must rise above political, religious, or ethnic divisions. Sustainable peace depends on justice and truth,” he added.

The cleric further called on parents to raise their children responsibly.

“Let’s guide them away from becoming thugs or delinquents. If our homes are peaceful, our communities and the country will be too,” he said.