The people of Plateau State are once again reeling from tragedy. Violent attacks, reportedly carried out by armed herdsmen, have left at least 19 people dead and many more displaced across Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas. These ruthless assaults have torn apart families, destroyed homes, and reignited fears that lasting peace is still far from reach. The latest violence unfolded on Thursday night in Juwan, a peaceful village in Bokkos’ Tangur District. As darkness fell, gunmen launched a surprise attack, killing ten people and injuring others as they tried to flee. Survivors describe a terrifying night filled with screams, gunshots, and desperate efforts to escape.
Earlier that evening, in Manja, a farming community in Mangu LGA, three men were murdered while working in their fields. Witnesses say the attack came without warning. A desperate call for help led to the arrival of security forces, which allowed some villagers to escape, though not without injury.
Amalau Samuel, Chairman of Bokkos Local Government, confirmed the attacks and expressed his shock at the cruelty of the assailants.
“They came in the dead of night, slaughtering innocent people,” Samuel said, visibly shaken. “They went from house to house, breaking in wherever they could, often through the ceilings. The elderly and children, unable to run, were the most vulnerable.”
But the violence didn’t stop there. In Manja, over 20 homes were set on fire, leaving families with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Although the attackers returned for a second wave later that day, no additional deaths were reported. However, the damage, both physical and emotional, had already taken its toll.
Mathew Kwarpo, representing Mangu South in the Plateau State House of Assembly, spoke out about the overwhelming scale of the violence. While he acknowledged the efforts of local youths and security forces who initially pushed back the attackers, he stressed that they were outnumbered.
“This isn’t just random violence,” Kwarpo said. “This feels like a calculated attempt to displace us and take over our land. The government must act fast. Our security personnel are doing what they can, but they’re stretched thin.”
The recent uptick in attacks across Bokkos, Bassa, and Mangu LGAs paints a grim picture. These incidents are not isolated; they’re part of a troubling pattern targeting the most vulnerable—farmers, children, and the elderly.
For many, returning home is now a distant hope. They are left displaced, grieving, and uncertain about what the future holds.
As calls for urgent intervention grow louder, one question remains: How much more must be endured before peace is restored?