In response to a wave of deadly attacks in Plateau and Benue states that have left over 100 people dead, Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to visit Plateau State today.

The visit is part of federal efforts to restore calm following coordinated assaults on Bokkos and Bassa communities that sparked widespread condemnation.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, confirmed the trip, saying it was ordered by President Bola Tinubu.

“Mr. President is deeply concerned about these killings. That is why the National Security Adviser was here last week, and now the Vice President is coming to engage stakeholders directly,” Yilwatda said during a tour of the affected areas.

Shettima is expected to meet with local leaders to boost security strategies and reinforce peace-building efforts. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru assured residents that perpetrators would be brought to justice and support programs for victims have already begun.

“We are investigating seriously. We are on the trail of the perpetrators and, by God’s grace, they will be brought to justice,” Badaru assured.

“Support programmes for victims, especially widows, have also been launched, and more help will come to ease their pain,” he added.

Former Defence Minister, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.), reignited his earlier call for self-defence, warning that reliance on government protection is no longer viable.

“The warning I gave years ago remains valid. Nigerians must rise and defend themselves before these bandits overrun the entire country,” he stated.

Echoing public anger, the Plateau Youth Council dismissed the government’s narrative of communal clashes, calling the attacks genocidal and accusing Fulani militias of orchestrating them. They also demanded a stronger and better-equipped Operation Rainbow to protect vulnerable communities.