In the past two weeks, violent attacks by herdsmen have claimed the lives of no fewer than 144 people across Plateau and Benue States, with the bloodshed continuing late Tuesday. The latest killings in Plateau’s Otobi Akpa community, part of the Kwall District in Bassa LGA, resulted in 13 deaths, while numerous others sustained injuries and over 50 homes were destroyed.
In Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang announced new security measures aimed at curbing the ongoing violence, which include a ban on night grazing, the transportation of cattle by vehicles after 7:00 pm, and a restriction on motorcycles between 7:00 pm and 6:00 am. The governor's measures, effective from April 16th, seek to restore peace and protect communities from the marauding herdsmen.
The attack on Otobi Akpa began at 6:00 pm when more than 20 armed herdsmen launched a commando-style assault, shooting sporadically at anyone in sight. The attackers also set fire to no fewer than 50 houses. Local vigilantes were unavailable for intervention as they had attended a burial in a nearby village.
The violence was part of a broader campaign by herdsmen, who, according to community leaders, have recently resorted to bearing sophisticated arms and escalating tensions in areas that were once peaceful. In addition to these local conflicts, Boko Haram insurgents launched an attack in Adamawa State on Tuesday, killing at least seven and leaving many others missing.
Amid the violence, Nigerian political figures are calling for swift action. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, urged President Bola Tinubu to return home from his retreat in France to address the escalating violence. Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, also called on the government to take decisive action to restore law and order, particularly by implementing the long-discussed ban on open grazing, which has failed to be enforced effectively.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) expressed its outrage over the continuing bloodshed, calling it a "national disgrace" and demanding the immediate deployment of well-equipped security forces to Plateau State to halt the atrocities. NEF emphasized the government's failure to protect citizens and the urgent need for justice and accountability.
Governor Mutfwang’s call for enhanced vigilance and community involvement, including the reactivation of local vigilante groups, is part of a broader effort to address the security crisis in the region. The Plateau state government has also vowed to continue working with local and national security agencies to prevent further bloodshed and ensure the safety of its citizens.
As the situation remains tense, both local and international observers are closely monitoring developments, with many advocating for stronger and more coordinated responses to the crisis.
