Two key suspects have been arrested over the recent brutal attacks in Plateau State, which left more than 100 people dead and hundreds displaced. The Nigeria Police confirmed the arrests on Wednesday, as the state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, announced strong new security measures to stop the violence.
The governor, in a statewide broadcast, announced an immediate ban on night grazing and the transportation of cattle after 7:00 p.m. He also placed restrictions on the use of motorcycles from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. across the state.
Mutfwang said, “These steps are necessary to restore calm and strengthen community vigilance. Night grazing of cattle is strictly prohibited. Transportation of cattle by vehicle is banned after 7:00 p.m., and the use of motorcycles is restricted from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. until further notice.”
The recent wave of violence has shocked the country. In Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area, gunmen killed at least 51 people, including women, children, and the elderly. Homes were burnt, properties destroyed, and many others were injured. Just days before, similar attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area claimed another 52 lives and razed hundreds of homes.
Mutfwang described the killings as “coordinated acts of terror” designed to chase residents off their ancestral lands.
The governor warned, “To the killers and their sponsors, know this: your evil shall not go unpunished. You may run, but you will not hide. Plateau will rise, Plateau will prevail.”
He assured residents that security forces had been deployed to vulnerable areas. He said, “We are also activating community-based response systems. Traditional leaders and youth groups must organize night patrols in coordination with security agencies. We must protect our communities while respecting the rule of law.”
The governor said hospitals will provide free medical care to victims. Relief materials, food supplies, and temporary shelters are also being provided to displaced persons.
He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had assured him of full support.
Arrests and Police Action
The police also responded quickly to the attacks. According to Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, “Preliminary investigations and operations have led to the arrest of two suspects in connection with the killings in Bokkos. They are now assisting with the investigation.”
Adejobi said, “We are committed to restoring peace and preventing further violence. Residents should remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and provide useful information.”
Adejobi further explained that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, visited Plateau on Tuesday and ordered the deployment of more police officers and equipment. Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Kwazhi Yakubu, has taken charge of operations and is already leading aerial surveillance over the affected areas.
National Outrage and Call for Justice
The killings have drawn strong reactions from across the country. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the attacks as “tragic” and called on all community and religious leaders to support Governor Mutfwang.
The NGF said, “We call for an immediate stop to the violence. These are not just numbers. They are people—breadwinners, hopes, and the pride of many families.”
Senator Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State, also condemned the attacks.
Tambuwal said, “These senseless killings are cruel and unjustified. No society should tolerate such brutality. The Federal Government must act swiftly to protect lives and bring the killers to justice.”
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Diaspora Group Demands Global Attention
The Plateau State Association USA, Inc., a diaspora group, called on President Tinubu and the international community to recognize the attacks as acts of terrorism and ethnic cleansing.
“This is not a conflict. It is targeted, coordinated violence. It is ethnic cleansing by another name,” said Dr. Bartholomew Shepkong, president of the association.
The group urged the Nigerian government to show political will and take urgent action. It also called on the international community to treat the crisis as a humanitarian and human rights emergency.
The statement said, “Security agencies must arrest and prosecute all those responsible. We must support displaced people and ensure their safe return to their ancestral homes.”
Hope for Peace
Governor Mutfwang expressed hope for unity and peace in Plateau State. “We are a people of peace, known for hospitality and unity across religion and ethnicity. Those who seek to tear us apart must not succeed.”
He also announced the appointment of a special peace envoy and the creation of a fact-finding committee to uncover the root causes of the violence.
Mutfwang assured, “We are rising to the occasion. My government is determined more than ever to protect lives and property.”