By Ayomide Otitoju
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has visited Plateau State to commiserate with victims and families affected by the recent wave of violence in Bokkos Local Government Area. During the visit on Monday, Obi described the killings as “senseless” and “unacceptable in a country not at war.”
Obi, who announced the visit his official , stated that he traveled from Abuja to Jos to offer solidarity to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of Plateau. He condemned the attacks, which left scores dead, and emphasized the urgent need to protect lives.
“What has happened in these communities is very saddening and utterly unacceptable. Nigerians should not be killed or forced to flee their homes when we are not at war,” Obi said. “Every life is precious, and no Nigerian, regardless of where they live, should have to live in fear or uncertainty.”
The former Anambra State governor also visited Bokkos, where he met with internally displaced persons (IDPs), children, and survivors. He announced a donation of ₦7.5 million to support displaced children, facilitate education continuity, and address immediate needs of the affected communities.
“Earlier, the Obidient Movement had built a borehole to provide clean water for the IDP camp and the community,” Obi noted. “We continued that support yesterday with ₦7.5 million to help provide facilities for the displaced children, continuous education, and ongoing needs.”
He extended his condolences to the grieving families and called for compassionate, decisive leadership. “Now, more than ever, leadership and compassion are essential. I stand in solidarity with Plateau State and remain committed to supporting all efforts toward peace, justice, and healing,” he added.
His visit comes amid fresh violence in the state. At least 40 people were reported killed early Monday during an attack on Zike and Kimakpa communities in the Kwall district of Bassa LGA. According to local leader Wakili Tongwe, the attackers stormed the village and opened fire on fleeing residents. Though security forces and vigilantes responded, 36 people were killed on the spot, with four others dying later from their injuries.
Several injured victims remain hospitalized. Security agencies have yet to release an official statement on the incident.
The latest killings occurred just two weeks after over 50 people were massacred in Bokkos LGA. Plateau State has seen repeated cycles of violence, with experts attributing much of the unrest to clashes between farmers and herders over land and resources. However, Governor Mutfwang believes the attacks may be part of a more orchestrated agenda.
“I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists,” the governor said during a recent interview on Channels Television. “The question is, who are the persons behind the organisers of this terrorism? This is what the security agencies must help us to unravel.”
He added that at least 64 communities across Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom LGAs had been forcibly taken over by armed groups and renamed.
In response, the Federal Government has vowed decisive action. Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the deployment of tactical units to Plateau, promising to “flush out” the perpetrators.
Also reacting, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the killings in strong terms. CAN President Daniel Okoh, in a statement issued Sunday, described the violence in Bokkos and Mangu LGAs as “barbaric” and a “grave affront to human dignity.”
“This level of violence is a serious threat to our national cohesion,” Okoh said. “We call on the government to act swiftly to protect lives and restore peace to Plateau and other affected regions.”
The spate of killings has further deepened concerns over security in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, with communities calling for greater protection and justice.
