April 15, 2025
Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has been given a matching order to summon the necessary political will to resolve the crisis that have led to several killings in the state and establish enduring peace.
President Bola Tinubu, gave the order after about 52 persons including a family of eight were confirmed killed and property razed in a fresh attack on Zike hamlet in Kimakpa community at Kwall district, Irigwe Chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday night.
While giving the order on Monday, the President also expressed profound sorrow over recent bloodshed in Plateau State.
In a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu, strongly condemned the violence and extended his sympathies to the governor, the state government and the people of Plateau State.
The president called for harmony among the people of Plateau State, emphasising the importance of love and unity beyond religious and ethnic borders.
He urged community, spiritual and political leaders within and outside the state to unite in interest of peace and security of lives and property.
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The statement read: “The ongoing violence between communities in Plateau State, rooted in misunderstandings between different ethnic and religious groups, must cease.
“I have instructed security agencies to thoroughly investigate these crises and identify those responsible for orchestrating these violent acts. We cannot allow this devastation and the tit-for-tat attacks to continue. Enough is enough.
“Beyond dealing with the criminal elements of these incessant killings, the political leadership in Plateau State, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, must address the root cause of this age-long problem. These problems have been with us for more than two decades.
“We can no longer ignore the underlying issues. It is time to tackle them fairly and find a lasting solution. I have discussed these problems with the governor over time and offered suggestions for lasting peace.
“The Federal Government remains committed to supporting Governor Mutfwang and the Plateau State Government in promoting dialogue, fostering social cohesion, and ensuring accountability, crucial steps towards permanently resolving the conflict in Plateau.”
The Sunday night attack has been confirmed by State govt.
Brig.Gen. Gakji Shipi, the Acting Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, a state-owned security outfit, who doubles as Special Adviser to Governor Mutfwang on Internal Security, also confirmed the Sunday night killings in Jos.
“It is unfortunate; this is really a major setback to the peace process in the state. Government and security agencies are on top of the situation, and we will soon nip these ugly incidents in bud,” he said.
‘’Witnesses on the scene said sporadic gunshots were heard from multiple locations and by morning, 49 corpses were recovered.
The perpetrators, according to the residents, were Fulanis. They said there were rumours before the attacks and the security stationed in the area were notified.
“The Sector 3 Commander confirmed this allegation and mobilised his men to Kwall, but the killing still took place.
“We use this medium to call on the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government to intervene before the already precarious situation snowballs into a major humanitarian catastrophe.
Meanwhile, a mass burial has been conducted for the deceased as survivors seek refuge in other neighbouring communities.
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Meanwhile, Christian leaders in Plateau State, said they are planning a protest over unending killings in the state.
A member of the planning committee and President of the Gideon and Funmi Peace Foundation, Dr. Gideon ParaMallam, confirmed the planned protest.
He said the protest, dubbed the “2nd Peace Walk Against Continuous Killings,” was aimed at demanding an end to the senseless attacks and cry for justice.
ParaMallam said: “Yes, the protest walk will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025 (Easter Monday), and the time for it is 9:00 am prompt.
The Church on the Plateau, under the leadership of the Church Denominational Leaders and the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Plateau State chapter, call on all Christians to arise once again in unity, grief and righteous protest.
“Between March 27 and April 2, 2025, nearly 80 innocent lives were brutally cut short in Bokkos Local Government Area. This does not include Bassa LGA and other parts of Nigeria.
