Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang has labeled the recent wave of violence across the state as a “sponsored genocide,” accusing armed bandits of taking control of at least 64 villages.
His statement comes as the state faces a surge in attacks that have left more than 50 people dead and forced thousands to flee their homes, particularly in the Bokkos Local Government Area.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Governor Muftwang expressed his alarm over the intensifying violence.
He said the brutality against the state’s residents could only be described as organized and deliberate genocide, orchestrated by terrorists.
“I am certain this is no random violence, but an orchestrated campaign,” Muftwang said. “The question we must ask is: who is behind this? The security forces must work together to uncover the masterminds behind this terror.”
The governor called for a unified response from security agencies to identify and dismantle the groups behind the attacks, which have been particularly devastating in the Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom local government areas.
“These attacks are not isolated. They are systematic and planned. We must act quickly,” he added, stressing that security forces must not work in opposition but rather share intelligence to bring a swift resolution to the crisis.
The violence, which has already claimed dozens of lives, has seen several communities burned to the ground and residents displaced.
Governor Muftwang revealed that armed groups have forcibly taken over large swaths of land, renaming villages and pushing out locals.
These communities, now under the control of bandits, are being occupied by new residents who have displaced the indigenous population.
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“I can confidently say that at least 64 communities across Plateau are under the control of these armed groups,” Muftwang stated. “They have renamed the villages, and the original residents cannot return to their ancestral lands.”
Plateau State, known for its recurring ethno-religious and resource-based conflicts, has been grappling with violence between farming communities and herders.
However, Governor Muftwang believes the current wave of attacks represents a new level of coordination and organization, suggesting that there may be more sinister forces at play.
“This is no longer just a conflict between herders and farmers; what we’re seeing now is a coordinated, strategic effort to erase entire communities,” he said.
The governor’s comments have reignited calls for immediate federal intervention, as residents and local authorities continue to endure the brunt of the violence.
National security forces are under growing pressure to not only halt the attacks but also uncover the individuals and organizations responsible for the bloodshed.
While the federal government has yet to formally address Muftwang’s claims, his remarks have raised questions about the true scale of the violence and the need for an urgent, coordinated security response to bring peace to the embattled state.
Related headlines include ongoing efforts to deploy counter-terrorism squads to the affected areas, as well as mounting public outrage over the lack of swift federal action.