Monday’s deadly attacks on Zike and Kimakpa communities in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, which left at least 51 people dead, have sparked public outrage—especially given the communities’ close proximity to the 3 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army.
The attacks occurred less than two weeks after a similar assault in Bokkos Local Government Area claimed 52 lives.
During a visit to the affected areas on Tuesday, we observed that both communities lie within a five-kilometre radius of the military base. Residents have since questioned the lack of timely response from security forces.
“The proximity to a major military base makes the lack of intervention even more troubling,” said a resident who requested anonymity. “One would expect rapid response in such cases.”
As villagers mourn, many are demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and the apparent failure of security forces to act swiftly.
Efforts to get a response from the Defence Headquarters were unsuccessful as the Director of Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, did not respond to calls or messages.
Victims Share Their Experiences
Lancaster Akpa, a 49-year-old from Kimakpa, lost nine family members—including two brothers and seven children. Two more relatives are currently hospitalized.
“I was in Jos when my brother called to say people were being killed in the village,” Akpa recalled. “By morning, I rushed there and confirmed the tragedy. Some attackers wore army camouflage, others were in plain clothes, but they were identified as Fulani. It’s devastating.”
Jerry Muwa from Zike also narrowly escaped death. His son’s home was attacked and burned down with six children inside, after the attackers failed to force their way in.
“We heard gunshots and hid the women and children. They came fully prepared to wipe us out. When they couldn’t break the door, they set the house on fire,” he said. “We buried only ashes. It’s God’s mercy that we are alive.”
Governor Visits, Monarch Speaks Out
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited the grieving communities on Tuesday alongside security chiefs. He expressed deep sorrow and pledged government support.
“We came to mourn with you. These attacks are a senseless act of terror. Despite investments in security, this is a painful setback,” Mutfwang said, promising to strengthen the state’s security architecture to prevent future attacks.
Paramount ruler of Irigwe Nation, Ronku Aka, thanked the governor but raised concerns about the effectiveness of the area’s surveillance systems, including a drone-equipped security tower that failed to prevent the attack.
He urged better use of technology and improvements in road infrastructure to allow quicker security response. “If these killings continue, there may be no Irigwe people left in three years,” the monarch warned.
Police and FG Under Pressure
Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, condemned the violence during his visit to Governor Mutfwang in Jos, assuring that security agencies were working to identify and arrest the perpetrators.
“We have increased deployment, intensified intelligence gathering, and are committed to bringing the attackers to justice,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Middle Belt Patriot, led by Terna Nenge, strongly criticized the Federal Government’s failure to prosecute Fulani militias responsible for repeated massacres.
In a statement, the group said: “Over 70 people were killed and more than 300 homes destroyed in recent attacks, displacing over 3,000. The government must go beyond press releases and take concrete steps to protect lives.”
The group decried selective justice, stating, “It is shameful that while the government is slow to act against attackers, it is swift to arrest victims who defend themselves. This sends a message that some lives matter less.”
They urged the government to act decisively: “We are peaceful people, but this genocide must stop—either by the government or by any means necessary.
