Fresh Plateau Massacre: Gunmen Kill 51 in Latest Attack on Zike Community.
—State Governor Alleges “Sponsored Genocide” as Violence Escalates
At least 51 people have been confirmed dead after armed assailants stormed the Zike community in Plateau State’s Bassa Local Government Area early Monday morning. The attackers reportedly opened fire on residents, burning homes and leaving dozens critically injured in what appears to be a relentless cycle of bloodshed in the troubled North-Central state.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as gunmen invaded Kimakpa village in Kwall district, shooting sporadically at fleeing residents. Wakili Tongwe, a local leader, revealed that vigilantes and security forces engaged the attackers but arrived too late to prevent mass casualties.
“Thirty-six were killed instantly, and four more later succumbed to their wounds,” Tongwe said. “Many others are hospitalized with gunshot injuries.”
This latest massacre comes barely two weeks after 52 people were slaughtered in Bokkos LGA, reigniting fears of unchecked violence in Plateau. The state has endured decades of deadly clashes, with over 200 killed in Christmas 2023 attacks and 40 more massacred in Wase last May.
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Governor Caleb Muftwang dismissed conventional explanations linking the violence to farmer-herder disputes, instead alleging a calculated campaign of terror.
“This is nothing short of genocide orchestrated by terrorists,” Muftwang declared. “Bandits have forcibly occupied 64 Plateau communities, renaming them after driving out indigenous residents.”
The governor urged security agencies to unmask the masterminds, emphasizing that the attacks reflect a broader pattern of land-grabbing and displacement.
Following national outrage, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical units to the region. However, critics question whether such measures can stem the tide without addressing root causes.
Fresh Plateau Massacre: Gunmen Kill 51 in Latest Attack on Zike Community.
