Vice President Kashim Shettima will, today, visit Jos, the Plateau State capital, to commiserate with communities in Bokkos and Bassa local government areas recently ravaged by violent attacks.
The visit was announced by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, during a tour of the affected communities on Saturday.
While expressing sympathy with the residents of Bokkos and Bassa, Prof. Nentawe conveyed the concerns of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the tragic events.
“My heart is with you, and I bring the heartfelt condolences of Mr President, who is deeply troubled by the killings.
“Last week, the National Security Adviser was here, and on Monday, the vice president will engage with Plateau stakeholders because the president has declared that these killings must stop,” he said.
The two LGAs have witnessed repeated attacks in recent times.
In the latest incidents, which occurred between March 28 and April 16, 2025, surviving residents said over 100 persons were killed, many injured, and numerous houses razed.
In one of the deadliest incidents on April 14, 52 people—mostly women and children—were killed in the Zikke community of Bassa.
The attacks sparked national outrage and condemnation.
Barely three days later, an incident involving the alleged poisoning of 36 cattle near Tafi Gana junction, also in Bassa LGA, further escalated tensions.
In response, the Plateau State Government, through the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, ordered an investigation and appealed to the public to remain calm.
Defence minister visits Bassa, promises improved security
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, on Saturday visited Bassa LGA to assess the aftermath of the recent violence.
He led a high-level federal delegation to condole with the victims and the Plateau State Government.
While addressing residents, Badaru condemned the killings and revealed that additional security personnel had been deployed to the area.
“We are here on behalf of the federal government to share in your grief and sorrow. Security agencies are under strict directives to end these senseless killings.
“We will pursue the perpetrators until justice is served. The president is concerned and determined to put an end to this cycle of violence,” he said.
The minister also pledged to work closely with the state government and local stakeholders to devise sustainable security measures aimed at preventing future attacks.
In his response, the paramount ruler of Irigwe Chiefdom, Rev. Ranka Aku (Brra Ngwe), expressed gratitude for the visit.
He appreciated both federal and state authorities for their swift response and appealed for stronger efforts to end the bloodshed.
He urged the government to support displaced residents in rebuilding their homes and lives.
The minister was accompanied by senior military officials and other government representatives.
Gunmen attack herders, injure 2, kill livestock
Hours after the federal delegation visited Bassa, gunmen struck again—this time in the Tanjol community of Riyom LGA.
The attackers opened fire on grazing animals, injuring two herders and killing livestock.
Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the Plateau State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), confirmed the incident.
He identified the injured herders as Adam Abdullahi and Bilyaminu Alhassan, who are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Barkin Ladi.
“While the herders were grazing their animals, unknown gunmen arrived and began shooting indiscriminately.
“Two sheep and one cow died instantly, while four cattle sustained bullet wounds and are unlikely to survive,” Babayo said.
Babayo said they had reported the attack to the GOC 3 Division, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the sector commander in Riyom.
The security personnel reportedly visited the scene and promised an investigation while urging calm.
Meanwhile, Riyom Youth Leader Song Bitrus confirmed the attack and reiterated calls for restraint and de-escalation of tensions.
“Two people were killed last week in an ambush. The cycle of violence must be broken. We need more security deployments and greater vigilance,” he said.
Security personnel have since taken positions in the area to prevent reprisals and urged residents to report suspicious activity.
The spokesman for Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, has not yet commented on the incident.
NIPR condemns Plateau killings
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has decried the renewed violence in Plateau State, labelling the killings in Bokkos, Bassa and Riyom LGAs as senseless and inhumane.
In a statement signed by its president, Dr Ike Neliaku, NIPR lamented the transformation of Plateau from a peaceful haven to a hotspot of bloodshed.
“It is in response to such tragic realities that the NIPR organised the 2021–2022 ‘Citizens Summit for National Integration, Peace and Security,’ which provided actionable recommendations to enhance peaceful coexistence in Nigeria,” the statement said.
The summit’s report, titled ‘Rebooting Nigeria 2.0’, was submitted to relevant authorities, and Dr Neliaku urged governments at all levels to utilise its findings.
While extending condolences to the people and government of Plateau State, NIPR implored security agencies to intensify efforts in tracking down those behind the attacks.
The institute also called for a united approach involving communities, government agencies, and security operatives to ensure peace.
“We urge the Plateau State Government to continue engaging with affected communities and stakeholders and to develop innovative strategies to foster trust and sustainable peace,” the statement added.
