Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang has lamented the ongoing violence in his state describing it as “sponsored genocide” aimed at eradicating entire communities.
The governor’s remarks come as armed bandits have reportedly seized control of at least 64 villages in the state, including areas in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom local governments.
Recall that in a recent interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Governor Muftwang shared his deep concerns over the deadly attacks that have claimed over 50 lives and displaced thousands.
He condemned the violence as systematic, stating, “These are not random acts. This is a pattern—systematic and organized.” The attacks have left entire communities burned to the ground, with displaced residents unable to return to their ancestral lands.
The governor stressed that these actions are more than just local conflicts, emphasizing that they appear to be part of a coordinated effort with a larger, more sinister agenda. “I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists,” Muftwang said. His statement reflects growing fears that the violence is not just the result of ethnic or resource-based tensions but a deliberate effort to destabilize the region.
The takeover of the 64 communities is a particularly alarming development, with bandits reportedly renaming the villages and resettling in the abandoned lands.
He said, “As I am talking to you, there are not less than 64 communities that have been taken over by bandits on the Plateau between Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom local government areas.”
He added, “They have been taken over, renamed, and people are living there conveniently on lands they pushed people away to occupy.”
As Muftwang explained, these areas are now under the control of those who displaced the original residents, and life goes on as usual for the invaders.
Plateau State, located in Nigeria’s North-Central region, has long struggled with ethnic and religious strife, often involving clashes between farmers and herders. However, the governor believes the scale of the recent attacks points to a more organized force.
Muftwang’s statement has sparked a wave of calls for a swift federal response to reclaim the occupied territories and ensure the safety of vulnerable communities. As the violence continues, the pressure mounts on security agencies to act decisively and bring those responsible to justice.
