A wave of violence has swept through Plateau State, Nigeria, with the latest attacks claiming the lives of at least 51 people in the Zike community, Kimakpa, Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area (LGA). This incident occurred on Monday, April 14, 2025, just weeks after a similar tragedy in the Bokkos LGA, where over 50 lives were lost. The persistent violence has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the government's ability to protect its citizens.

According to Wakili Tongwe, a community leader in Kwall, the attackers stormed Zike village in the early hours of Monday, firing indiscriminately at residents. A team of vigilantes, including Tongwe, were patrolling another community when the attack occurred. By the time they arrived, the assailants had already inflicted heavy casualties. Tongwe reported that 36 people were shot dead, with four others later succumbing to their injuries while receiving treatment.

The Irigwe Development Association (IDA) reported a slightly lower figure of 47 deaths. Danjuma Dickson Auta, the national secretary of the IDA, confirmed the attacks, stating that they occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. Auta also noted that many houses were razed and properties destroyed.

Plateau State has a long and troubled history of violence, with conflicts often erupting between farming communities and nomadic herders over land and resources. These clashes have taken on ethno-religious dimensions, further exacerbating tensions. In 2023, violence in Mangu claimed over 300 lives, and a Christmas Eve attack in Barkin Ladi LGA resulted in at least 150 fatalities.

Governor Caleb Muftwang has condemned the attacks, describing them as acts of genocide sponsored by terrorists. He has also stated that bandits have taken over 64 communities in the state, renaming them and occupying land belonging to displaced residents.

The Federal Government has vowed to take action, with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, ordering the immediate deployment of police tactical assets to the affected areas. However, despite these assurances, violence continues unabated, raising concerns about the effectiveness of security measures.

Amnesty International has also condemned the latest attacks, describing them as horrific and pointing to grave security lapses. The organization has called for urgent and transparent investigations to uncover why communities in Plateau continue to suffer repeated bloodshed with little accountability.

In a separate incident, a football fan was arrested for allegedly stabbing Plateau United player Vincent Temitope in the neck during a pitch invasion at the Lafia Township Stadium. The incident occurred after a heated match between Nasarawa United and Plateau United, highlighting the issue of violence at Nigerian football venues.

The cycle of violence in Plateau State continues to claim lives and displace communities. The government's response to these attacks remains a subject of intense scrutiny.