Plateau State, June 22–23, 2025 – Violence erupted this past weekend in rural communities within Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas, leaving at least 13 residents dead. Survivors have come forward with chilling accounts of the brutal attacks.
🔹 Survivor Accounts
- Victims described sudden, coordinated raids carried out by armed assailants on motorcycles, targeting villagers in their homes and during daily activities.
- One survivor from Juwan recounted, “They surrounded us late at night… gunshots everywhere. We lost neighbours, homes were burnt. We just ran”—highlighting the chaos that unfolded.
- Another survivor revealed that children and the elderly were among the deceased, saying many “had nowhere to hide.”
🔹 Security Response
- Reports suggest security forces arrived after a considerable delay. Some checkpoints were reportedly undermanned and low on ammunition, which limited resistance against the attackers.
🔹 Government and Community Reaction
- Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has condemned the attacks, pledging swift justice for perpetrators and the deployment of more troops to the area.
- The Northern Elders Forum has expressed outrage, describing the violence as senseless and calling on federal authorities to step up protection of vulnerable communities.
⚠️ Impact & Broader Concerns
| Area | Implication |
|---|---|
| Safety | Heightened fear across rural settlements; many are fleeing to displaced persons camps. |
| Security | Troubled checkpoints and delays in response raise serious concerns about preparedness. |
| Accountability | Communities are demanding the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, as well as improved early-warning systems. |
✅ What to Watch
- Will security forces increase patrols and improve checkpoint readiness?
- Will federal authorities launch an independent investigation?
- How will communities and civil society groups act to prevent recurring attacks?
📌 *Note: Previous mass attacks in Plateau—such as those in 2023 and 2025—claimed dozens to hundreds of lives This recent toll of 13, while lower, remains deeply concerning and may reflect underreporting as investigations continue.*
