The state of Plateau is grappling with a surge of violence, marked by the tragic loss of lives and the disruption of peace in numerous communities. Recent events include the killing of dozens of cows by poisoning and the deaths of over 100 people in attacks across different local government areas. In response, the state government has imposed strict measures, including a ban on night grazing and restrictions on vehicular movement, to try and curb further conflict.

On Wednesday, tragedy struck the Tafi Gana junction area of Bassa Local Government Area in Plateau State, where at least 36 cows were killed and 42 others were poisoned. Ya’u Idris, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Bassa LGA, reported that the incident occurred around 4:30 pm. According to Idris, the cattle were grazing when they consumed garden eggs scattered around the area, which had been laced with poison. The incident was promptly reported to security agencies, including the GOC 3 Division, DSD, and the police. The GOC also visited the scene, urging the Fulani community to remain calm and assuring them that an investigation would be conducted to apprehend those responsible.

This incident occurred just two days after a brutal attack in Zikke village, also in Bassa LGA, where 52 people were killed and many houses were razed. Accusations have been exchanged between the herding community and the attacked community, further escalating tensions in the region.

In response to the escalating violence, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has taken decisive action. Effective Wednesday, April 16, night grazing is strictly prohibited, the transportation of cattle after 7 pm is banned, and motorcycle movement is restricted from 7 pm to 6 am statewide. These measures aim to prevent further conflicts between herding and farming communities. The governor also called on traditional rulers and youth leaders to revive local vigilante patrols in partnership with security forces.

However, the ban on night cattle transportation has faced criticism from heavy truck drivers in Jos, who argue that it contradicts existing laws that already restrict their movement during the day. Mahmud Jafar, a truck driver, expressed frustration over the conflicting restrictions, while Gambo Hamza pleaded with the government to reconsider the timing. MACBAN has also voiced concerns about the potential impact of the ban on their members’ livelihoods, appealing to the governor to adjust the time to 8 pm to allow herders to return home safely.

Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, representing Pankshin Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State, attributed the crisis to criminal elements and bandits dislodged from Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi, who are now operating within forests around the borders between Taraba and Plateau. He called for a joint security outfit comprising all tribes in the crisis areas to engender trust and emphasized the need to tackle cattle rustling.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Kwazhi Bzigu Dali visited Bassa to assess the security situation, assuring residents of the Inspector General of Police’s commitment to restoring peace. Additional security assets, including Police Mobile Force (PMF) units, Special Intervention Squads, and Armoured Personnel Carriers, have been deployed.

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) condemned the Plateau killings as barbaric and a shame to the nation, criticizing the federal government’s inaction. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) expressed sorrow over the renewed violence and called for peace, urging community and religious leaders to support Governor Caleb Mutfwang in dousing tensions and building sustainable peace.

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending insecurity across the country, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen national security through investments in military hardware, personnel training, and enhanced intelligence gathering. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, called on the media to play a responsible role in the fight against insecurity, avoiding undue publicity to terrorists and criminal elements.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi urged the federal government to take concrete action to protect Nigerians, calling for swift justice and accountability for the attacks.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang convened an emergency security meeting and consulted with the President and security chiefs, urging calm and assuring that Plateau would not succumb to fear. He directed all hospitals in the region to provide free medical treatment to victims and dispatched relief supplies to affected communities. He also urged traditional leaders and youth associations to reactivate local vigilante groups and organize night patrols in coordination with security agencies.

In Adamawa State, seven people were killed in attacks by Boko Haram insurgents on two communities in Hong Local Government Area. Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed worry over attacks on communities, describing them as land grabbing and announcing the deployment of security personnel to Otobi in Otukpo Local Government Area.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the killings in Bokkos, Plateau State, and ordered additional deployment of officers to restore normalcy. House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen condemned the attacks and urged security agencies to take decisive action. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said President Tinubu is doing everything possible to end insecurity, urging Nigerians to cooperate with the security agencies.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) urged community and religious leaders to rally round the Plateau governor to end the senseless blood bath. Plateau Indigenes abroad have deplored the wave of killings and urged the Federal Government to take decisive steps to end the callous acts. Former presidential candidate Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim condemned the renewed wave of violence in Plateau and Ondo States, calling for urgent security reforms.