Youths from the troubled communities of Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) in Plateau State have issued a stern warning to the Nigerian military and police to take immediate action against armed terrorists terrorising their region. They have threatened to take the law into their own hands if the government fails to protect their people and recover their lands.
The warning came during a press conference held on Thursday in Jos, the Plateau State capital, by the Bokkos Concerned Youth (BCY). The group spoke on behalf of communities devastated by repeated attacks from armed Fulani militias and bandits, which have forced many residents to flee their ancestral homes.
The BCY president, Dapet Chris Ortega, expressed deep frustration over the ongoing violence that has left more than 60 villages sacked or taken over by terrorists in the area.
“For over 10 years now, innocent people have suffered senseless killings, displacements, and kidnappings. Our communities are being wiped away one after another, and the government’s response is too slow,” Ortega lamented.
According to the BCY statement, at least 10 communities have been completely occupied by bandits, while over 61 others have suffered violent attacks. Some of the villages now reportedly under the control of armed groups include Hokk, Nawula, Pangkap, Luwapan, Fokoldep, Dangru, Bodel, Duun, and Dulu.
These attacks have left thousands of people displaced, their homes destroyed, and entire families wiped out. Women, children, and the elderly have been among the victims, suffering the consequences of a worsening security crisis.
“Properties worth billions of Naira have been destroyed, and thousands of lives lost. The frequency and severity of attacks have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.”
Plateau State has been a hotspot for communal violence and clashes between farmers and herders for many years. Bokkos LGA, situated in the southern part of Plateau, has witnessed some of the deadliest attacks, often linked to Fulani militant groups operating under various guises.
The youths claim that despite repeated pleas and reports to security agencies, little has been done to restore peace or protect the local populations.
“It is painful that even though we have restrained ourselves from taking up arms, our people continue to be killed. Many have fled their homes, but the terrorists remain,” said Ortega.
The slow response from the military and police has heightened tensions, and the youths warned that patience is running thin.
The BCY is demanding that security forces not only increase their presence in Bokkos but also aggressively pursue the terrorists to end their reign of terror once and for all.
“We appeal to the military and police to chase these terrorists out of our lands. If they cannot do it, we will be forced to defend ourselves. We can no longer watch as our people are killed and our communities destroyed,” Ortega warned.
The youth group insisted that they are not calling for violence but seeking protection and justice. However, the persistent attacks have left many communities vulnerable, making local self-defence groups more likely to emerge.
Plateau State’s security challenges are rooted in a complex mix of ethnic, religious, and economic tensions, often worsened by competition over land and resources.
For years, clashes between mostly Christian farmers and Fulani herders have resulted in cycles of violence, creating insecurity that has disrupted farming seasons and local economies. Banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling have also escalated, further destabilizing the region.
The Federal Government and Plateau State Government have launched several security operations, including joint task forces and community policing efforts. Despite these efforts, attacks persist, and large swaths of rural areas remain unsafe.
The situation in Bokkos has drawn concern from civil society groups, religious leaders, and human rights organizations calling for stronger government intervention.
Experts argue that lasting peace requires not only military action but also dialogue, economic empowerment, and conflict resolution mechanisms.
Plateau State Governor, while yet to issue an official statement on the recent escalation in Bokkos, has previously pledged to improve security and support displaced persons.
Beyond statistics and security briefings, the human toll of the violence in Bokkos is heartbreaking. Families have been torn apart, children out of school, and many now live in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps or unsafe neighbouring communities.
“Our people want to farm and live peacefully like others. We don’t want to carry guns. But if nothing is done, we will have no choice,” said a resident of one affected community who preferred to remain anonymous.
