15 April, 2025; At least 51 people have been killed in a brutal attack in Nigeria’s Plateau State, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the region in recent months. The violence erupted in several villages over the weekend, sparking renewed fears of escalating ethnic and communal tensions.
Local officials confirmed that the coordinated assaults targeted communities in the Bokkos and Barkin Ladi areas, where gunmen opened fire and set houses ablaze. Many of the victims were civilians, including women and children, with dozens of homes and properties destroyed.
While the exact motive behind the attack remains unclear, Plateau State has long been a flashpoint for clashes between nomadic herders and farming communities, often fueled by disputes over land, resources, and deep-seated ethnic divisions.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the violence and called on security forces to step up efforts to prevent further bloodshed. “This is a tragic moment for our state. We cannot continue to lose lives to senseless killings,” he said.
The Nigerian government has deployed additional security personnel to the affected areas and launched an investigation. However, critics argue that authorities have consistently failed to address the root causes of the conflict or bring perpetrators to justice.
The incident adds to the growing concerns over insecurity across Nigeria, where various regions are grappling with insurgency, banditry, and intercommunal violence. Human rights groups have urged the government to take urgent steps to protect vulnerable communities and promote peacebuilding efforts.
The death toll may rise as search operations continue and more information becomes available from remote areas.
