Plateau, Benue Killings: Tinubu Orders Action, Gov Alia Warns, as 52 Die in Fresh Attacks.
Peter Obi Reacts: ‘I’m the Target of Benue Governor’s Threat’
ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a directive to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang to deploy decisive political will to resolve the prolonged violence plaguing the state. This follows a new wave of bloodshed in Bassa Local Government Area that left at least 52 people dead, including an entire family of eight, and properties razed in a midnight attack on Zike hamlet, Kimakpa community.
In a related development, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has warned that the safety of any individual or group entering the state without prior notice cannot be guaranteed.
Presidency Condemns Plateau Massacre, Urges Unity
Reacting to the violence, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the killings and urged the Plateau government to address the root causes of the conflict. In a statement released by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu condemned the ethnic and religious violence, calling for an end to retaliatory attacks and urging unity among communities.
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“The ongoing violence between communities in Plateau State must cease,” Tinubu said. “I have directed security agencies to investigate and prosecute those behind these attacks. Governor Mutfwang must lead the charge in addressing the underlying issues fueling this two-decade-old crisis.”
The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the state in promoting dialogue, cohesion, and accountability to restore lasting peace.
52 Killed in Overnight Attack on Zike Hamlet
The attack, which occurred late Sunday night, left 52 confirmed dead, with more bodies feared buried under the rubble. Troops later rescued 16 kidnapped victims during military operations in the area. Mass burials have already been conducted for the victims.
Brig. Gen. Gakji Shipi, Special Adviser to Governor Mutfwang on Internal Security, described the attack as a major setback to peace efforts in the state.
Sam Jugo, National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), disclosed that sporadic gunfire erupted around midnight, sending residents fleeing into the night.
“Witnesses said multiple gunshots rang out simultaneously from different locations. By morning, 49 corpses had been recovered. Residents blamed Fulani militants for the attack,” Jugo said.
He further noted that this incident follows last week’s killing of nine individuals in the same region, bringing the death toll in Irigwe communities since December 2024 to over 75.
Security Failure and Community Frustration
Community leaders and state lawmakers expressed dismay at the recurring attacks. Eli Ankala, member representing Rukuba/Irigwe in the Plateau Assembly, described the attack as cowardly and warned of the consequences if security outposts are not established.
“We have appealed repeatedly for proactive deployment of security forces. If citizens resort to self-defense due to continued government inaction, the crisis will escalate uncontrollably,” Ankala warned.
Ezekiel Bini, Chair of the Coalition of Plateau Youth Ethnic Nationalities, lamented the massacre of an entire family and noted the failure of previous peace agreements.
Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, condemned the attack as unprovoked and warned that it threatens to reverse gains made toward restoring peace.
Troops Rescue 16 Kidnapped Victims
In a related operation, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN rescued 16 passengers abducted along the Jos–Mangu highway. The victims, including six children, were found after troops engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle.
Major Samson Zhakom, OPSH Media Officer, said the kidnappers fled after facing overwhelming firepower. Injured victims were treated and escorted to Jos for safety.
Christian Leaders Plan Mass Protest
In response to the unrelenting violence, Plateau Christian leaders are organizing a mass protest dubbed the Second Peace Walk Against Continuous Killings on Easter Monday, April 21.
Dr. Gideon ParaMallam, President of the Gideon and Funmi Peace Foundation and member of the planning committee, said the protest is backed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and will be a symbolic call for justice.
“Between March 27 and April 2, over 80 people were killed in Bokkos LGA alone. We are asking all Christians to wear black and march from PRTV Roundabout to the New Government House in Little Rayfield,” he said.
Participants have been asked to wear black, red, and white clothing—symbolizing mourning, an end to bloodshed, and peaceful resistance respectively.
Amnesty International Slams Government Inaction
Amnesty International Nigeria has described the killings as a gross failure of security leadership.
“The massacre of 52 people in Zike is inexcusable,” said Isa Sanusi, Country Director. “The government must stop issuing empty condemnations and start protecting lives and prosecuting perpetrators.”
The organization accused Nigerian authorities of abandoning rural communities to armed attackers and warned that continued impunity will result in more loss of life.
Governor Alia Issues Security Warning in Benue
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has warned individuals or groups planning visits to the state—particularly to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps—to obtain prior approval from the state government through the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA).
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Alia said:
“No group or individual should enter the state without the governor’s knowledge. Unauthorized visits, especially to politically sensitive areas or IDP camps, are strongly discouraged.”
Peter Obi Alleges He Was Target of Alia’s Threat
Reacting via a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi said he believed he was the target of Governor Alia’s statement. Obi detailed how his planned humanitarian visit to Benue was blocked, despite following protocol and reaching out to security operatives and the governor’s aides.
“I had planned to visit Benue to show support for victims at IDP camps and local institutions, including schools of nursing. I’m still shocked at the attempt to politicize a simple humanitarian gesture,” Obi stated.
He criticized what he described as an unnecessary show of hostility, asserting that his mission was apolitical and strictly aimed at extending compassion to displaced Nigerians.
Editor’s Note
The recent resurgence of violence in Plateau State, coupled with political tension in Benue, has highlighted ongoing failures in security infrastructure and governance. As public outcry grows and Christian leaders prepare to take to the streets in protest, pressure is mounting on federal and state authorities to address the root causes of the violence and end the cycle of bloodshed.
