Terrorists suspected to be Fulani militia have once again struck parts of Plateau State, killing two individuals and destroying over 20 farms in the Bassa Local Government Area. The latest attacks, which occurred on Wednesday, have deepened concerns over the security situation in the state, despite repeated assurances from the government that efforts are being made to protect the lives and property of citizens.
The attack unfolded at around 8:30 a.m. when three individuals were working on their farm. According to an eyewitness, the victims were caught off guard when a group of armed terrorists, who had been lying in wait nearby, launched a sudden ambush. Two of the farmers, identified as Adamu Bala, 35, and Gado Trra, 45, were killed instantly after being shot multiple times. A third person, who managed to survive, sustained bullet wounds and is currently receiving medical treatment in a local hospital. In a tragic turn, a security personnel who rushed to the scene to assist the victims also sustained gunshot wounds.
The attack took place in Teepe village, a community that has been a target of similar assaults in recent months. According to Joseph Chudu Yonkpa, the National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), the victims were cutting trees on their farm when they were ambushed. He explained that the attackers, who are suspected of being Fulani militants, shot the farmers before retreating into the nearby hills, leaving behind a trail of devastation.
“Two of the victims, Adamu Bala and Gado Trra, died instantly while the third person survived with injuries. The attack also left a military officer wounded,” Yonkpa said. “The attackers did not stop there. They went on to destroy at least 20 farms belonging to various members of the community before fleeing the scene.”
This latest attack highlights the ongoing insecurity in the region and has intensified calls from local communities for stronger action to be taken by the authorities. Despite repeated promises from the Plateau State government to ensure the safety of its people, residents say they are still living in fear, with attacks becoming more frequent and brazen.
Mr. Danjuma Auta, the Secretary-General of the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of Natives (PIDAN), expressed his dismay at the government’s inability to curb the violence. In a statement, he emphasized that the terrorists are well-known to the communities, as they have repeatedly identified them by name and tribe.
“Even though the government continues to assure us of safety, these terrorists are still lurking in our communities, waiting for the next opportunity to strike,” Auta said. “The identity of these attackers is not a mystery. We know them by name, and we know their tribes. They are not faceless, and we have raised alarms time and time again. Yet, they continue to terrorize us with impunity.”
Auta further added that the continuous attacks on Plateau communities indicate that the security forces have been unable to fully address the threats posed by these criminal elements. The PIDAN has been outspoken in its criticism of the state and federal government’s handling of the issue, calling for more robust measures to tackle the root causes of the violence and provide adequate protection for the vulnerable communities.
The attack on Teepe village is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued Plateau State, particularly in the Bassa and Irigwe areas. Farmers and other residents in these regions have been forced to live in constant fear as terrorist groups continue to operate unchecked. The destruction of farms, which are the primary means of livelihood for many in these rural areas, has left countless families struggling to survive. With the ongoing violence, there are growing concerns about food insecurity in the region.
The Plateau State government, led by Governor Simon Lalong, has yet to issue an official statement on the latest attack. However, the police and military have been involved in investigations into the incident, with a focus on identifying the perpetrators and preventing further violence. Local authorities have promised to intensify efforts to ensure that those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice.
As the investigation continues, residents of Plateau State are left grappling with the reality of living in constant fear, unsure of when the next attack may come. The destruction of farmland, the loss of lives, and the trauma inflicted on the victims and their families are a constant reminder of the vulnerability of rural communities in Nigeria.
As residents and local leaders continue to call for action, the need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the insecurity in Plateau State remains urgent. Only time will tell if the government’s efforts to combat the growing wave of terrorism and violence will be enough to restore peace to the beleaguered communities of Plateau.
