In the wake of escalating violence in Plateau State, Nigeria, a complex web of accusations, condemnations, and calls for action has emerged. The state has recently been plagued by a series of brutal attacks, resulting in significant loss of life and raising serious questions about the effectiveness of security measures and the accuracy of reported casualties.

A central point of contention is a recent report by Amnesty International, which claimed that 1,336 people were killed in Plateau State within a three-month period. This figure has been strongly challenged by the Coalition for Peace and Security Monitoring in Nigeria (CPSMN), a civil society group based in Jos. CPSMN Executive Director, Pastor John Bulus, described Amnesty's figures as "grossly exaggerated and unverified," accusing the global NGO of "fuelling fear and discrediting ongoing local and federal government efforts to stabilise the region." The coalition has demanded that Amnesty International provide concrete evidence to support its claims, including a list of names, dates, and locations of the alleged victims.

CPSMN asserts that its team has been actively involved in firsthand assessments, humanitarian outreach, and collaborative engagements with security operatives and community leaders in the affected areas, including Zikke village in Bassa Local Government Area, where a recent attack occurred. While acknowledging the tragic loss of life in these attacks, the coalition insists that Amnesty's portrayal does not align with the reality on the ground and overlooks the measurable reductions in violence achieved through joint operations involving the military, police, and local vigilante networks.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has also condemned the killings. Rev. Yakubu Pam, the association's chairman, called on security agencies to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice, emphasizing the need for all stakeholders to unite and end the cycle of violence that has plagued Plateau State for too long.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has stated that his administration is taking decisive steps to ensure that the state does not experience a repeat of the recent killings. Following an attack in Bassa Local Government Area, Mutfwang convened an expanded security council meeting with security chiefs and local government chairmen. He assured residents that the government is firmly in control of the situation and is working diligently to establish the facts and prevent future incidents. Mutfwang also urged residents to avoid retaliatory actions and to report any intelligence to the authorities, promising to protect the sources of information.

However, the situation remains tense, with accusations of government inaction and a lack of clear information about the causes of the violence. Former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, describing it as a crisis shrouded in mystery and worsened by conflicting narratives and government inaction. Ejiofor noted that the perpetrators remain unidentified, with no clear understanding of their leadership, goals, or structure, making resolution extremely difficult.

Ejiofor advocated for the establishment of a "first line of defence" made up of retired security personnel, local leaders, and town union structures, who could be mobilized and armed under police supervision to support the overstretched national forces. He also warned that criminal networks have evolved into profit-driven franchises, with ransom funds possibly being channelled to invisible backers rather than the visible abductors.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has gone as far as to say that the killings in Plateau State demonstrate the "total collapse" of the security architecture under President Bola Tinubu, attributing the insecurity to the "incompetence" of the current administration. He urged the Attorney General of the Federation to prioritize the prosecution of those responsible for the attacks and establish special courts to expedite their trials.

In the midst of these accusations and calls for action, the Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) Vanguard has called for the immediate arrest and interrogation of leaders and members of the Plateau State chapter of the Coalition of Fulani Registered Organizations (COFRO). The BCDC believes that COFRO's demands for the release of all suspects indicate a calculated plan to perpetuate threats and maintain a climate of terror in Plateau villages, exposing the true identity of the terrorists and their financiers.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also weighed in on the situation, calling on the government at all levels to end the renewed wave of senseless killings in Plateau, Benue, and other states. The NBA President, Afam Osigwe, condemned the heinous attacks and called on all relevant security and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice, emphasizing that no society can thrive under the persistent threat of violence.

As the situation in Plateau State continues to unfold, it is clear that a multifaceted approach is needed to address the root causes of the violence, ensure the safety and security of residents, and hold those responsible for the attacks accountable. This includes accurate reporting of casualties, effective security measures, community engagement, and a commitment to justice and the rule of law.