Residents of Bokkos Local Government Area in Plateau State have expressed heartfelt gratitude to both the Federal and State Governments for their prompt response to the recent violent attacks that shook their communities. However, they are also calling for stronger, long-term support to help rebuild their shattered lives.
The Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) Vanguard, through its Chairman, Barr. Farmasum Fuddang, and Secretary, Duwam Bosco, issued a joint statement acknowledging the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang for their swift interventions in the wake of the attacks.
“Your support has provided reassurance during these challenging times,” the BCDC stated. “However, we must stress the scale of destruction and humbly appeal for further assistance for the thousands of victims left traumatized and homeless.”
The community also commended Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central) for his active role in facilitating immediate relief, as well as the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for coordinating the delivery of aid and security deployment.
While appreciating the interventions, the BCDC emphasized that the relief provided so far falls short of what is needed. The attacks, particularly the one on April 2, resulted in more than 50 deaths, over 18 injuries, the destruction of at least 180 homes, and the displacement of over 4,000 residents now living in makeshift camps across Hurti, Bokkos, and Gwande.
“In total, over 25,000 people have been displaced by violent attacks in Bokkos over the past two years,” the statement added. “Many of these citizens have yet to return to their homes, and the road to full recovery could take years.”
The community leaders stressed that the victims — many of whom lost their breadwinners and ancestral homes — deserve more than temporary relief. They called for justice, compensation, and the recovery of lands allegedly seized by external aggressors with extremist ideologies.
“This is not just a plea. It is a right. Government’s foremost duty is the protection of its citizens. When it fails to act on credible intelligence and prior warnings, it becomes complicit in the tragedy,” the statement declared.
They warned that failure to fully address the aftermath of the attacks could erode public trust in the government, potentially leading to diminished civic participation or even unrest.
“We voted to establish this government, and we deserve its protection and support in return. The people of Bokkos have endured too much. It’s time for justice, rebuilding, and a lasting solution,” the statement concluded.
