From Jude Dangwam, Jos

The Irigwe Development Association (IDA) an umbrella body of the Irigwe speaking nationalities in Plateau state has called for justice in the face of unwarranted attacks that has claimed 1,107 lives leaving their respective communities under siege in the last 25 years.

They disclosed that a total of 2,866 incidents of attacks were carried out on their communities with 1,107 deaths recorded, 412 injuries, two rapes, 20,836 rooms destroyed as well as 742 barns and 27,330 farms were recorded from 2001 to March 2025.

The cultural organisation further disclosed that this year alone, from January 1 to March 28, 2025, a total of 58 incidents took place with 8 deaths, 8 injuries and more than 50 farm destructions were recorded.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the President of IDA, Rev. Dr. Daniel Gya, the General Secretary, Amb. Danjuma Auta and the Public Relations Officer, Samuel Jugo David on the ongoing killings in the locality at weekend in Jos, the state capital.

They explained thus; “In the beginning, these attacks where in the form of ambushes, destructions of farm crops, rape of women and girls on their way to farms or in search of firewood in the wild. It metamorphosed into attacks with firearms. Beginning from January 2025, all the killings to date were largely by ambushes on unsuspecting passersby.”

According to them, a research conducted by Barrie, from 2001 to March 2025 has indicated that “A total of 2,866 incidents, 1,107 deaths, 412 injuries, 2 rapes, 20,836 rooms destroyed, 742 barns and 27,330 farms were recorded. Most of the victims are languishing in abject poverty, unable to fend for their families at the time of this report,” the sociocultural organization hinted

The traditional council of Rigwe land and the Irigwe Development Association (IDA) further appealed to relevant authorities to come to their aid to prevent the Rigwe nation from extinction and its source of livelihood totally obliterated by its enemies.

“The Rigwe nation is law-abiding and believes in the peaceful coexistence of all nations, tribes, creeds, and religions, and pleads with all stakeholders in the peace process to come together and ensure this carnage comes to an end.

“This is not the first time we are making this form of appeal and raising concerns over the continuous carnage on our land. We have continued to lose our loved ones in guerilla style attacks by assailants whom many have been afraid to name. While most of the victims are languishing in abject poverty, unable to fend for their families,” they lamented.

They further expressed concerns over the setbacks recorded after the signing of a peace pack by both the natives and the Fulani herders over the years, the situation still remained a matter of great concern.

“This milestone achievement led to the formation of the 17-Man Peace Implementation Committee for Irigwe Chiefdom in May 2024 by the erstwhile GOC 3 Division/ Commander, Operation Safe Haven, Maj. Gen. AE Abubakar and with the responsibility of implementing the 17-point agreement hitherto signed.

“Despite these efforts by concerned stakeholders, sporadic and intermittent skirmishes have continued to be recorded. Beginning from the 1st January to the 28th March 2025, a total of 58 incidents, 8 deaths, 8 injuries, and more than 50 farm destructions were recorded, as compiled by Gastor Barrie.”

They however expressed gratitude to the Plateau state government and Governor Caleb Mutfwang who is deeply disturbed by the state of insecurity in the land visited Irigwe Chiefdom on the January 27 this year on an assessment tour and promised to establish a Mobile Police Barracks at Zashi, Kwall, to further bolster ongoing efforts at lasting peace in the area and Plateau State at large.

“To think that these attacks and killings have continued despite a peace pact and ongoing efforts by the peace committee is most worrisome as it makes rubbish the wisdom of all the stakeholders that brokered these avenues”, the leaders stated.

The Irigwe Development Association appealed to the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, to establish a Nigeria Police Force Division in Miango to help stem the tide of insecurity in the land.

Mutfwang Vows to Prosecute Bokkos Attackers

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has reassured the people of Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of the commitment of his administration to justice and security of the entire state following the recent attacks in the council area of the state.

Mutfwang extended his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his swift response and firm commitment to restoring peace in the state as well as commended the President for directing federal agencies to deliver relief materials to victims of the Bokkos attacks.

The Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere on Sunday disclosed this to Newsmen adding that the governor made the declaration while addressing Plateau State indigenes residing in Abuja at weekend where he shared his pain on the recent happenings in Bokkos LGA as he explored best security approaches in ending the menace.

“We will no longer allow those arrested for crimes in our communities to walk free. I will pursue, and ensure the prosecution of all those hands is stained with the blood of our people. They will face the full wrath of the law.

“I want to assure you that the lives lost in Bokkos will not be in vain. Some advised that we cancel this meeting due to the tragic circumstances, but after wide consultations with our leaders both at home and in the diaspora, we decided to forge ahead.

“We cannot let those behind these heinous acts think they have broken our spirit. Yes, we are mourning, but by the grace of God, we are not defeated.

“Since the December 2023 attacks, we have begun reclaiming our identity as the Home of Peace and Tourism. For over a year, we recorded no major incident, but these attacks are clearly orchestrated, deliberate attempts to impoverish and intimidate our people at the start of every farming season.

“Let it be known; we will farm this year. No amount of intimidation will stop us. I appreciate the outpouring of sympathy and support from Nigerians across the country.

“I’ve had deep consultations with security chiefs and I want to assure the people of Plateau State that everything possible will be done to protect lives and property.” the governor assured the affected communities and the entire state.

Mutfwang further disclosed that some masterminds of the attacks have already been apprehended, stressing that the era of arrest without prosecution is over.

“As your Governor, I make this solemn promise; anyone involved in spilling the blood of a Plateau citizen will be pursued and brought to justice. None of them will go scot-free,” Mutfwang emphasized.