President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, currently on an official assignment in France, has strongly denounced the recent wave of violent attacks in Plateau State, specifically condemning the Sunday night assault on Zikke village in Bassa Local Government Area, which claimed more than 50 lives.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, the president described the ongoing killings as unacceptable and charged both the Plateau State government and security agencies to take decisive steps to end the bloodshed.
Tinubu Orders Crackdown on Perpetrators
“The persistent violence between communities in Plateau State, often stemming from long-standing ethnic and religious divisions, must come to a halt,” President Tinubu said in the statement. He further announced that he has directed national security forces to apprehend those behind the recurring assaults.
“I have given clear instructions to our security institutions to investigate these attacks thoroughly and ensure that all individuals involved in the violence are tracked down and brought to justice. This cycle of vengeance and destruction must end. Enough is enough,” the president declared.
Presidency Urges State Leadership to Address Deep-Rooted Issues
While extending condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Plateau State, President Tinubu also urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to move beyond short-term reactions and tackle the deeper issues fueling the unrest.
“While it is essential to confront the violent elements responsible for these killings, it is equally crucial that the Plateau State leadership, under Governor Caleb Mutfwang, address the deeper, structural causes of this protracted conflict,” the president said.
He emphasized that the crisis, which has haunted the state for more than twenty years, cannot be resolved without confronting the historical, socio-political, and communal issues that continue to spark tensions.
“We cannot continue to sidestep the core issues behind this tragedy. It is time for a comprehensive, fair, and lasting resolution,” Tinubu stated. “I have had conversations with the governor regarding this matter and have suggested approaches for establishing enduring peace.”
Killings Continue Despite Security Assurances
The tragic incident in Zikke village adds to a growing list of violent attacks that have plagued Plateau communities in recent weeks. This most recent massacre occurred just days after President Tinubu promised that gunmen responsible for terrorizing the state would face arrest and severe punishment.
Despite federal assurances, communities across Plateau continue to suffer deadly ambushes, with attackers often operating with impunity. The attack in Zikke marks one of the deadliest single-day incidents in recent months, highlighting the persistent security gap in the region.
Governor Mutfwang Labels Killings as Acts of Genocide
Amid the resurgence of bloodshed, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has voiced grave concern over the scale and frequency of the attacks. He described the killings as systematic and brutal, likening them to genocide carried out by armed militias.
According to Mutfwang, at least 64 communities in Plateau have been forcefully overtaken by bandits in the past few years. He warned that without urgent intervention, the humanitarian crisis could spiral further out of control.
“These are not random attacks; they are coordinated efforts by terrorists to seize land, displace people, and destroy entire communities,” Mutfwang stated during a recent press briefing.
A Call for Comprehensive Peace Strategy
President Tinubu’s remarks signal a shift from mere condemnation to calls for both proactive law enforcement and deliberate political engagement. Observers believe that while military action remains essential, the deep-rooted grievances—ranging from land disputes and ethnic tensions to religious mistrust—must be addressed through inclusive dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms.
Stakeholders have long called for a truth and reconciliation process, rehabilitation programs for displaced persons, and the revival of defunct peace committees that once mediated inter-community conflicts in the state.
Looking Ahead: Security and Stability in Focus
As the federal government intensifies its response and state leaders grapple with restoring normalcy, the people of Plateau remain caught in a dangerous cycle of violence. The path to peace, many believe, lies not only in the strength of the military but also in the political will to heal old wounds, rebuild trust, and provide lasting justice for victims.
President Tinubu’s directive for immediate action, coupled with his call for long-term solutions, underscores the urgency of ending the violence that has plagued Plateau for decades. Whether or not meaningful progress will follow these words remains to be seen in the coming weeks.
