The death toll in the recent attack on Zike Kimakpa community in the Kwall District of Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, has risen to 53. Initially reported as 47, the toll increased after more bodies were discovered in the aftermath of the attack, with a source close to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirming the grim update.
The horrific incident, which occurred late Sunday night, has left the community in shock, with several others also wounded, many of whom are receiving treatment at Plateau State Specialist Hospital and Jos University Teaching Hospital. The violence, which occurred around 11:32 p.m., has left a deep scar on the region, especially as many residents are fleeing to safer locations such as Jos, the state capital, to escape the ongoing brutality.
Reports indicate that a large group of gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, rode into the village on motorbikes, terrorizing the locals. They moved from house to house, killing their victims and setting homes ablaze. The gunmen’s rampage continued well into the early hours of the following day, leaving no less than 53 people dead.
The scale of the violence is described as unfathomable. According to Samuel Jugo, the National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), 51 of the victims were given a mass burial on Monday amidst emotional displays of grief and pain from family members, friends, and other community members. The burial took place as relatives, local residents, and sympathizers gathered to mourn their loss.
Jugo also shared that there had been rumors of an impending attack, and security agencies were alerted prior to the violence. However, despite the intelligence reports, the attack still went ahead, sparking outrage among the affected residents. According to Jugo, security forces stationed in the area did respond, but the damage had already been done.
Many members of the Kwall and neighboring villages are now fleeing the area in fear for their lives. The attacks have created an atmosphere of terror, and many residents are now seeking refuge in Jos and other parts of the state. The mass exodus has led to a growing sense of insecurity, with the people feeling abandoned and exposed to the wrath of the attackers.
“What is baffling to the residents is that, despite the warnings and the presence of security forces in the area, nothing was done to prevent the tragedy,” Jugo remarked. “It is distressing that the government was notified of the potential danger, yet this massacre occurred with such brutality.”
The Irigwe community has strongly condemned the attack, referring to it as “provocative, vexing, and undeserving.” The community has called for a swift and decisive response from the federal and state governments, urging them to act before the situation spirals out of control.
The violence has garnered national attention, with President Bola Tinubu expressing his deep sorrow and condemning the attack in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The president conveyed his sympathies to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of Plateau State, urging the governor to take firm action to address the growing crisis.
President Tinubu emphasized the need for unity, calling for political, religious, and community leaders to come together in ending the ongoing cycle of violence and retaliation that has plagued the state for years. “We cannot allow this devastation and tit-for-tat attacks to continue. Enough is enough,” he stated.
The president further instructed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack and to bring the perpetrators to justice. “We must identify those responsible for orchestrating these violent acts and hold them accountable,” he added.
In his statement, Tinubu underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of the violence, which have long been associated with ethnic and religious tensions in the region. He expressed a commitment to supporting Governor Mutfwang and the Plateau State government in fostering dialogue, promoting social cohesion, and ensuring accountability for the perpetrators.
The growing violence in Plateau State is part of a wider, long-standing conflict between various ethnic and religious groups in the region. The challenges facing the people of Plateau are not new, and they have persisted for over two decades. As the violence continues, it has become evident that there is an urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the underlying issues that fuel the conflict.
In addition to the immediate need for justice and security, local leaders and residents are calling for more proactive measures to ensure that such tragedies do not repeat in the future. Community leaders have stressed that the government must not only provide security but also work towards fostering understanding and reconciliation among the various communities involved in the conflict.
“Peace in Plateau is something that must be pursued actively by all stakeholders,” said Jugo. “The government needs to engage with community leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to bring lasting peace to the region.”
Many locals are calling for the deployment of more security personnel to the affected areas, as well as the establishment of peacebuilding initiatives aimed at addressing the deep-seated issues that fuel ethnic and religious divisions.
The Irigwe community has also called on the government to implement better measures for the protection of vulnerable villages, especially in rural areas where attacks like these are increasingly common. They also want greater support for those displaced by the violence, including provisions for food, shelter, and healthcare.
As Plateau State grapples with the aftermath of this attack, questions remain about how to prevent future violence. For the residents of Kwall and other affected villages, justice is paramount. They are looking to the state and federal governments to provide accountability, security, and a clear path toward lasting peace.
President Tinubu’s call for unity and his commitment to addressing the root causes of the violence are seen as steps in the right direction. However, many believe that meaningful action is needed beyond rhetoric to bring real change and stability to Plateau and other regions affected by similar conflicts.
