By Ayomide Otitoju
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has announced sweeping security measures including a ban on night grazing and restricted use of motorcycles across the state in response to a recent wave of deadly attacks on rural communities.
In a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, Mutfwang described the violence as “coordinated acts of terror” aimed at forcefully displacing indigenous communities and instilling fear across the region.
Effective immediately, the governor banned night grazing of cattle and prohibited the transportation of livestock by vehicle after 7:00 p.m. Additionally, the use of motorcycles has been restricted from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. statewide, until further notice.
“The tragic echoes of Dogo Na Hawa, Riyom, Barkin-Ladi, Mangu, and the Christmas Eve massacres in Bokkos remain vivid,” Mutfwang said solemnly. “The cycle continues, but it must not endure. Plateau shall not be overrun by fear, nor shall we accept this culture of bloodshed as the new normal.”
The latest directive follows a brutal attack on Kimakpa village in Miango District, Bassa Local Government Area, on Sunday night. At least 50 people were reportedly killed when unidentified gunmen stormed the village around 10:00 p.m., shooting indiscriminately and burning homes.
One survivor, Peter John, 25, recounted how he escaped by climbing onto a roof while watching his sister, niece, and other family members slaughtered. “They shot and killed my younger sister and her daughter right in front of me,” he told AFP from his hospital bed.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized that the state government is working closely with security agencies and called on community vigilante groups to organize coordinated night patrols in compliance with the law.
He also warned that the attacks were not isolated incidents but part of a broader, systematic campaign.
“What we are witnessing is a premeditated and sustained campaign to displace and eliminate indigenous communities. These killers are not acting alone; they are backed by sponsors who must be identified and brought to justice,” he said.
Communities in Plateau State have long been plagued by deadly clashes between farmers and herders over land use and dwindling resources, often exacerbated by ethnic and religious divisions. While most farmers are Christian and the majority of herders belong to the Muslim Fulani group, experts warn that framing the crisis solely along ethnic lines obscures deeper issues of state fragility, impunity, and climate stress.
The recent resurgence of violence — including attacks in Bokkos and Mangu LGAs earlier this month — has prompted outrage and concern nationwide. Yet, despite increased military deployments, perpetrators often remain unidentified and unpunished.
Jessica John, 45, whose son Saryie was seriously injured in the Kimakpa attack, sat beside him in the hospital as doctors prepared to remove a bullet lodged in his chest. “He had run from the house, but went back with his friend to check on us,” she said. “His friend was shot dead.”
Another resident, Diwe Gado Diwe, said he was on the phone with his sister when the violence erupted. “She told me not to come back home. It was too dangerous,” he said. “By the time I reached the hospital, my brother was already in the ICU.”
While security forces were reportedly present in the village earlier that day, they had left by the time the attackers struck. Survivors described hearing gunmen shouting religious slogans before opening fire and setting homes ablaze.
Governor Mutfwang urged Plateau citizens to remain vigilant and assured them that his administration would not relent in efforts to restore peace and justice.
“I speak to you not just as your governor, but as your brother — one who deeply feels the pain and sorrow that has again darkened our land,” he said. “Enough is enough.”
