President Bola Tinubu has instructed Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang to take decisive action to address the ongoing crisis in the state and work towards sustainable peace. This directive follows a recent attack in Zike hamlet, where eight family members were among at least 52 people killed and many properties destroyed.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State also warned that he cannot ensure safety for anyone entering his state without prior authorization. The violence has raised concerns, prompting Christian leaders in Plateau State to plan a protest against the persistent killings. President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the situation and emphasized the need for unity and love among the diverse communities in Plateau. He called for thorough investigations into the violence and urged state leaders to address long-standing issues fueling the conflict. The Federal Government has committed to supporting local efforts to foster dialogue and social cohesion to resolve the crisis.
Brigadier General Gakji Shipi, Acting Coordinator of Operation Rainbow and Special Adviser to Governor Mutfwang on Internal Security, confirmed the recent killings in Jos, stating that the exact number of casualties is unclear. He described the incident as a significant setback to the peace efforts in the state, assuring that government and security agencies are addressing the situation.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association, Sam Jugo, reported that the attack occurred around midnight, waking residents with gunfire. Witnesses indicated that sporadic shots were fired from multiple locations, resulting in the recovery of 49 bodies by morning. Residents blamed the Fulani for the attack and noted that security forces had been alerted prior to the incident but failed to prevent it.
Jugo emphasized the ongoing violence, saying that since December 2024, at least 75 people from the Irigwe nation have been killed. Local leaders have called for urgent intervention from the Federal and Plateau State governments to prevent the situation from escalating into a humanitarian crisis.
Eli Ankala, a member of the State House of Assembly, condemned the attack as cowardly and reiterated calls for the establishment of security outposts in vulnerable areas. Ezekiel Bini, Chairman of the Coalition of Plateau Youth Ethnic Nationalities, highlighted the tragedy of the massacre, which included an entire family of eight.
In response to the attacks, a mass burial was held for the victims, while survivors fled to neighboring communities. Joyce Ramnap, Commissioner for Information and Communication, condemned the violence as unprovoked and a threat to peace in the region, urging residents to remain calm and vigilant.
In recent developments, troops from the 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation SAFE HAVEN successfully rescued 16 passengers who were kidnapped along the Jos-Mangu road in Plateau State. Major Samson Zhakom, the Media Information Officer for Operation SAFE HAVEN, reported that the rescue operation began when troops discovered an abandoned vehicle near Mararaban Kantoma. Upon searching the area, the troops encountered the kidnappers, who opened fire but were ultimately subdued, allowing the soldiers to rescue all 16 victims, including six children. Some rescued individuals received first aid for injuries sustained during the incident before being escorted to safety.
In a related matter, Christian leaders in Plateau State are organizing a protest to address the ongoing violence in the region. Dr. Gideon ParaMallam, a member of the planning committee and President of the Gideon and Funmi Peace Foundation, announced that the “2nd Peace Walk Against Continuous Killings” is scheduled for April 21, 2025, at 9:00 AM. This protest aims to raise awareness about the recent brutal killings, including the loss of nearly 80 lives in Bokkos Local Government Area within a week.
The event will take place in Jos, where participants are encouraged to wear black as a symbol of mourning, along with red and white to signify the call for an end to violence and a peaceful resistance to impunity. The protest will start at the PRTV Roundabout Junction and conclude at the New Government House in Little Rayfield, where leaders will present their concerns to President Bola Tinubu through Governor Caleb Mutfwang. Christian leaders are urging the community to unite in solidarity for peace, justice, and security throughout Plateau State and Nigeria.
Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, condemned the killings of at least 52 people during an attack on Zike village in Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State. He highlighted that gunmen not only killed many individuals—particularly those unable to escape, such as children and the elderly—but also destroyed homes and looted villages. Sanusi criticized the security lapses that allowed these attacks to happen, noting that such violence occurred only two weeks after another massacre. He called for thorough investigations and emphasized that merely issuing statements of condemnation is insufficient; real commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and justice for victims is essential.
Sanusi expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the security measures claimed by President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the continuing attacks demonstrate a failure of the authorities to protect rural communities. He warned that without immediate action, more lives and livelihoods would be lost.
In a related matter, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State stated he cannot guarantee the safety of anyone visiting the state without his prior knowledge. He advised those planning visits, especially to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, to seek approval from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency. His Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, issued a statement warning against unsanctioned visits, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and security within the state.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, claimed that he is the target of threats from the Benue State governor. In a statement shared on his X handle, Obi expressed that while he typically avoids commenting on such matters, the recent situation during his planned visit to Benue State compelled him to speak out.
Obi outlined that he intended to visit Plateau and Benue states on April 10, 2025, to pay courtesy calls to the governors, as well as to visit IDP camps and nursing schools to offer support. He mentioned having reached out to the Plateau State government, which welcomed his visit. However, he struggled to contact the Benue State governor directly and was told by the governor’s aide that the governor was in an important meeting but would call him, which did not happen until later.
On his way to Makurdi, Obi received a press statement from the Benue State government that seemed aimed at preventing his trip. Notably, the statement referenced his itinerary, which he had already shared with the governor’s aide. Obi emphasized that his visit was meant to support critical development issues, such as health and education, and his long-standing commitment to helping those in need, both before and during his political career. He recalled needing permission from former President Goodluck Jonathan for a humanitarian visit to Haiti after an earthquake, highlighting his genuine concern for the welfare of others.