The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, targeted the Zikke and Kakpa communities. It comes just two weeks after similar violence claimed over 50 lives in other parts of the state. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) previously reported that gunmen had killed at least 52 people and displaced nearly 2,000 residents during a series of attacks in the state.
On Monday, residents confirmed the recovery of 51 bodies in Zikke and Kimakpa villages, with many more injured. The exact cause of the attack remains unknown.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the attack as unacceptable and charged the Plateau State Government to address the root causes of the persistent communal conflicts. The statement, titled "President Tinubu Condemns Latest Attack in Plateau, Charges Governor Mutfwang to Resolve Underlying Communal Issues," emphasized the need for immediate and long-term solutions.
“We cannot allow this devastation and the tit-for-tat attacks to continue. Enough is enough,” Tinubu declared.
He extended heartfelt condolences to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Plateau State Government, and the people of the state, noting that the violence, rooted in long-standing ethnic and religious misunderstandings, must stop.
“Beyond dealing with the criminal elements of these incessant killings, the political leadership in Plateau State, led by Governor Mutfwang, must address the root causes of this age-long problem. These issues have persisted for over two decades. We can no longer ignore them,” Tinubu said.
He added that he had previously discussed the conflict with the governor and offered recommendations for lasting peace, stressing the need to promote unity across ethnic and religious divides.
The President also called on community, spiritual, and political leaders across and beyond Plateau State to collaborate in breaking the cycle of retaliatory violence. He further directed security agencies to investigate the latest attack thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The Federal Government remains committed to supporting Governor Mutfwang in promoting dialogue, fostering social cohesion, and ensuring accountability—crucial steps towards resolving the Plateau crisis permanently,” Tinubu affirmed.
Eyewitness and Community Reactions
A local youth leader, Joseph Chudu, confirmed the attack, noting that the gunmen arrived around midnight, shooting and setting homes ablaze.
“The attack lasted over an hour. Many of the injured have been taken to the Jos University Teaching Hospital. We need blood urgently for the victims,” he appealed.
Amnesty International Nigeria also condemned the attack, stating, “The inexcusable security lapses that enabled this horrific attack, two weeks after the killing of 52 people, must be investigated.”
Plateau State is part of Nigeria’s Middle Belt, a region plagued by ethno-religious tensions often involving Muslim herders and Christian farmers. However, experts have also pointed to climate change and shrinking grazing land as key contributors to the crisis.
Youth Group Demands Action
The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) called on the Federal Government to designate Fulani militants as a terrorist group. In a statement issued in Jos and jointly signed by National President Solomon Mwantiri and General Secretary Bature Adazaram, the group condemned the repeated killings across Hurti, Bokkos, Irigwe Kimakpa, Zikke, and Kakpa.
“The BYM is saddened by the systemic, premeditated killings of innocent residents, especially the recent bloodbath in Bassa LGA that claimed no fewer than 50 lives, including women and children, on April 12, 2025,” the statement read.
The group also referenced a viral video allegedly made by the perpetrators, vowing to destabilize the region, and called for legislation that would allow Nigerians to bear arms for self-defence.
Army Rescues Kidnapped Passengers
In a separate incident, troops from the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Operation Safe Haven rescued 16 kidnapped passengers on Sunday night along the Jos-Mangu road.
The rescue mission began around 9pm when troops discovered an abandoned vehicle at Mararaban Kantoma in Mangu LGA. Spokesman Major Samson Zhakom confirmed that the troops searched nearby bushes, encountered the kidnappers, and engaged them in a gunfight.
“The criminals were overpowered by our troops' superior firepower and fled, leaving all 16 abducted passengers—including six children—behind,” Zhakom said.
Troops administered first aid to those with minor injuries and escorted all victims safely to continue their journey to Jos. The army is currently pursuing the fleeing kidnappers, some of whom are believed to be wounded.
