Insecurity in Plateau and the threat to Nigeria’s food supply
Armed groups relentlessly target farmers in the heart of Jos, not only snuffing out lives but also obstructing vital food supplies and plunging the nation further into a devastating hunger crisis.
Despite the state government’s curfew, a series of attacks near Mangu town has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 30 lives and numerous injuries.These escalating assaults on farmers lead to displacement, disrupt markets, and rob people of their means of survival.
The ‘Middle Belt,’ a region in Nigeria known for its ethnic and religious diversity, has long been plagued by conflicts between farmers and herders, breeding violence that has claimed countless lives.
The recent violence in Plateau state occurred just days after a Christmas Day attack that left at least 140 people dead. In response, a dusk-to-dawn curfew was imposed on January 23. Residents in the North-central region, where Plateau is located, point to armed herders as the main culprits behind the attacks on farmers.
These herders, driven by disputes over land, have been responsible for the killings and escalating tensions in the area. On Wednesday, a farmer was attacked and killed on his farm in the Gada Biu-Mbar community, while a herder was killed in the Butara Kampany community of the same area.
However, the prevailing mutual suspicion between the native farmers and herders, stemming from the Christmas Eve attacks that claimed over 150 lives, has further exacerbated the situation.
The cycle of violence and reprisal attacks continues to escalate, leaving communities in fear and farmers unable to tend to their crops. The consequences are dire, with critical food supplies being disrupted and the country facing a deepening hunger crisis.
A community leader in the Bokkos LGA and Chairman, Community Peace Observers in the council area, Kefas Mallai said, “In the Gada Biu-Mbar incident, the native farmer was on his farm to irrigate his Irish potatoes.
“Suddenly, some Fulani herders led their cows into his farm and he drove the cows away. Shortly after that, armed Fulani herders invaded the farm and killed the native farmer and that created tension in the area.
“Then, as Fulani herders were seen in a vehicle at Butara Kampany community, some vigilant natives tried to stop the car to search them but the Fulani occupants jumped out of the vehicle and started running away. In the process, one of the herders was killed also. There was also an exchange of fire between them.”
In the same vein, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has raised his voice against the recent breach of security that has left a trail of devastation in the Kwahaslalek community and various parts of the Mangu Local Government Area.
With a heavy heart, Mutfwang expressed his deep sorrow through a statement delivered by his trusted Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere.
The governor lamented the alarming rise in security challenges, which have not only shattered homes and livelihoods but also instilled fear in the hearts of the people, courtesy of these suspected hoodlums.
In a gesture of empathy, Mutfwang extended his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families, the affected communities, and those who have been injured in these unfortunate incidents. He acknowledged the pain and suffering they are enduring and assured them of his unwavering support during these trying times.
In a bid to combat this menace, the governor called upon the affected individuals and communities to remain vigilant.
He emphasised the importance of promptly reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities, as this would enable swift intervention and help restore peace and security to the region.
However, the police have uncovered no less than 10 lifeless bodies scattered across different locations, serving as haunting reminders of the recent wave of attacks and killings.
The tragic events unfolded when Kwahaslalek village fell victim to a merciless assault in the early hours of Wednesday.
Gunmen unleashed chaos, claiming the lives of 30 innocent souls. In a desperate bid for safety, the victims, predominantly women and children, sought refuge in the home of a revered community leader the night before.
Tragically, their sanctuary was shattered as the assailants surrounded them, leaving no survivors in their wake.
Addressing the press at the police command headquarters in Jos, the state capital, the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 4, Ebong Eyibio, revealed the grim details.
He confirmed the arrest of nine individuals believed to be connected to the heinous act. Additionally, in a bid to restore peace and stability, extra police personnel have been deployed to the troubled council area.
The AIG paraded the nine suspects alongside eight others previously apprehended during the preceding crisis.
“The Plateau State Police Command has successfully repelled an attack on villages in Mangu LGA of the State,” declared Eyibio, emphasising the authorities’ commitment to safeguarding the community.
“On 24/01/24 at about 2200hrs, we received intelligence concerning an attack which was targeted at the Ntam community and the ASTC Company, both of Mangu LGA. Our team of agile police officers from the IGP Special Intervention Squad stationed at the ASTC in conjunction with Area Commander Pankshin and the DPO swung into action and thwarted the attempted attack.
“In a separate incident, an attempt by some arsonists in Panyam District to set fire on some worship centres was prevented by swift intervention from the police and with help from some elders of the community.”
The police boss added that to further strengthen the existing security architecture in Mangu LGA and ensure compliance with the curfew imposed by the government and prevent further escalation of the incidence which is almost snowballing into an ethno-religious crisis, he has ordered the deployment of additional Special Intervention Personnel to Mangu LGA.
The attackers targeted several villages including Kwahaslalek, Kinat and Mairana, located on the borders of Mangu and Barkin Ladi local government areas, said Joseph Gwankat, head of the community group Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA).
Survivors reported that the gunmen indiscriminately shot at people, including women and children, and set fire to houses and property.
In a subsequent statement, the MDA blamed the attack on herders, and questioned why troops deployed by the federal government to the area since the Christmas attacks didn’t intervene to stop the violence.
Nigeria defence spokesperson Tukur Gusau said the military remains neutral following allegations of partisanship in the conflict, adding that troops responded professionally and by the rules of engagement.
“They have successfully arrested criminals involved in looting and burning of properties, as well as recovered weapons,” Gusau said in a statement on Thursday.
The latest attacks come amid a surge in violence in the Plateau, which has seen repeated clashes between nomadic herders and local farming communities.Plateau governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the attacks and called for calm as his government “is taking proactive measures to halt further destruction of lives and property,” he said.
He added, “The command is grateful to inform you that the situation as of today, is under control and so far, nine suspects have been arrested.
“Exhibits recovered from them include
weapons such as machetes, kegs containing petrol, and other items. The area remains highly secured by security forces and strict compliance to the curfew is being complied with.”
The AIG added, “A delegation from the Plateau State Government led by the Security Adviser to the Governor, heads of other security agencies, and leaders from both the Christian and Muslim communities, gathered at the Mangu Township Stadium and the Miskam Mwaghavul Palace in Mangu yesterday, the 24th day of January 2024 to deliberate and chart a way forward to put a stop to the menace.
“We called on the leadership of both faiths to call their followers to order and ensure total compliance with the government-imposed curfew. Both parties have promised to comply in the interest of peace in their communities.
“So far, over 10 corpses have been recovered from various locations, two injured persons currently receiving treatment at the hospital, and one car and 10 houses were burnt down.”
The Nigerian government must urgently address this issue and take decisive action to protect farmers and restore peace in the affected regions. Without intervention, the relentless attacks on farmers will not only continue to claim lives but also plunge the country further into a devastating hunger crisis
