Nigeria: Armed Militia Attacks Claim Over 50 Lives in Plateau and Benue State

At least 50 people have been killed in a fresh wave of violent attacks carried out by armed militia in Plateau and Benue States, triggering fear, destruction, and displacement in affected communities.

In Plateau State, no fewer than eight people died in separate attacks in the Bokkos Local Government Area. Among the victims is a pastor, identified as Mimang Lekyil of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), who was murdered in his home in Kwakas-Mushere at about 10 pm on Sunday. His wife, who was shot in the leg during the attack, is currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), according to reports.

Confirming the incident, Kefas Mallai, Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, said, “The corpse of the pastor has been deposited at Luna Hospital Mortuary. His wife survived the attack and is being treated.”

The violence escalated on Monday after enraged youths allegedly razed Fulani-owned structures in retaliation for the killing of the pastor. Security forces reportedly intervened to restore order, but a subsequent attack occurred the same night in the Mbor community, also in Mushere district, leaving seven more natives dead.

Security agencies were alerted but before their arrival, the casualties were recorded,” Mallai said, decrying the inadequate security presence and warning that local women and children were fleeing to safer locations amid fears of further violence.

In Benue State, a coordinated series of attacks by armed militia men in Gwer-West Local Government Area resulted in the deaths of at least 42 people, including a mobile police officer. The affected communities, Aondona, Ahume, Tyolaha, and Tse Ubiam, came under siege between Saturday and Monday, with residents fleeing to Naka and Makurdi for safety.

The attacks have been described as a genocide by the local government chairman, Victor Ormin, who has been leading a search and rescue operation in collaboration with local stakeholders. He described it as “a clear case of genocide.”

It’s a pathetic situation. Over 30 bodies were recovered between Sunday and Monday alone. We’re now talking about more than 40 confirmed deaths,” Ormin told journalists.

According to Ormin, the attacks took place despite the presence of military personnel in the area. “The soldiers said they don’t have the mandate to act unless fired upon. They told me even the governor doesn’t have the authority to give them orders; only the President can. It’s clear that these soldiers are not incompetent, from all indications. They are just waiting for orders that have not come,” he lamented.

Among the victims was Magaji, a well-known mobile police officer stationed at a junction near Naka. He was reportedly killed after running out of ammunition while urging residents to flee for their lives.

Police spokesperson in Plateau State, Alabo Alfred, confirmed that security operatives had been deployed and claimed the situation was under control. In Benue, the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, also confirmed the attacks and the death of the police officer.

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