Recent events in Plateau and Benue States, Nigeria, have underscored the persistent challenges of insecurity, political instability, and communal violence plaguing the region. In Plateau State, brutal attacks in the Bokkos Local Government Area on March 28 and April 2 have left communities devastated, while in Benue State, a complex web of political machinations and inter-communal clashes continues to fuel violence and displacement.

Plateau State: A Trail of Death and Destruction

Survivors of the attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area have recounted harrowing experiences of sudden and devastating violence. Gunmen targeted several communities, including Ruwi, Mangor, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. Residents claim that at least 52 people were killed, with many others injured or still missing. Tariza Jakob, a survivor from Hurti village, described the attacks as unprovoked, with gunmen on motorcycles shooting indiscriminately and burning homes. Michael Yuhana, also from Hurti, reported that 35 people were confirmed dead, and 18 injured by the time security forces arrived.

Banghas Atanguk, from the Manguna community, recounted hearing gunshots from different directions while people ran in all directions. Among the casualties was his uncle, Simon Bahias, a school principal. The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has described the attacks as senseless and a threat to the unity and stability of the northern region. Chairman of the forum and governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, condemned the violence and urged security operatives to intensify efforts in tracking down the perpetrators and bringing them to justice. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has also called on the federal government to stop the attacks, describing them as disheartening and frightening.

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killings and assured Governor Mutfwang of federal support, directing security agencies to hunt down the attackers and instructing the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to collaborate with Plateau State authorities to provide relief to affected communities. National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, visited Plateau State to commiserate with victims and families affected by the attacks, pledging that those found culpable will face justice. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has vowed to ensure the prosecution of all those responsible for the bloodshed, confirming that some of the suspected masterminds of the attacks have already been apprehended.

The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has demanded decisive action, calling on the federal government to secure the Bokkos-Mangu corridor and implement radical security measures to prevent Plateau State from becoming a new frontier of violence.

Benue State: A Distorted Narrative?

In Benue State, armed attacks continue to plague the region, leaving the state in a state of fear, chaos, and despair. While claims of armed men controlling 18 out of 23 local governments may be an exaggeration, the situation on the ground is dire. Thousands have been displaced, villages have been razed, and local governments are struggling to maintain law and order. Conflict reporter Jairus Awo notes that the media and political narratives surrounding the killings in the state often obfuscate the severity of the situation, either downplaying it or sensationalizing it for political gain. Over two million people are now displaced within Benue, living in overcrowded refugee camps under dire conditions. Food and water shortages, poor sanitation, and mental health issues caused by the trauma of displacement have compounded the suffering of the affected communities.

Awo argues that some interest groups are deliberately trying to destabilize the state and make it ungovernable for Governor Hyacinth Alia. Critics have painted Alia as either indifferent or incapable of dealing with the insecurity, giving rise to a growing narrative that Benue is on the brink of an emergency, and some groups are openly calling for a state of emergency to be declared. Alia’s opposition to the anti-open grazing law passed by the previous administration has provided another avenue for political interests to exploit. They argue that Alia’s perceived softness on the open grazing issue is a contributing factor to the growing violence in the state.

The Coalition for Civil Society in Nigeria and Advocates of Social Justice have alleged that the violence rocking Benue State is fueled by political crisis in the state. They claim that aggrieved politicians are orchestrating the killings to force President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency. The groups added that street and campus cults are being used by politicians to carry out the heinous act. Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta called on the security agencies to immediately go after the serial killers in Benue State.

MACBAN Denies Involvement

The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Mohammed Risku, has distanced the Fulani herdsmen in the Benue South Senatorial District from the growing insecurity in the region. Risku expressed his surprise over the accusations of kidnapping leveled against the Fulani herdsmen and proposed the formation of a peace committee to fight banditry.

Conclusion

The situations in Plateau and Benue States highlight the complex challenges facing Nigeria in terms of security, political stability, and communal relations. The need for urgent action to address the root causes of violence, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure justice for victims is clear. It is crucial for both state and federal governments to prioritize the safety and well-being of citizens and work towards sustainable solutions that promote peace and development in the region.