For governor seeks end to Plateau killings

Retired Rear Admiral, Bitrus Atukum, former Military Governor of Plateau State, has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently find a lasting solution to the escalating violence in the state.

Atukum, who served as the Military Governor of Plateau between January 1984 and August 1985, made this appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Jos, the state capital.

The retired military officer’s plea follows the recent wave of killings in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas, which have been marked by brutality and devastation.

Atukum expressed deep concern about the widespread destruction of homes, farmland, and vital infrastructure, which he described as part of a larger strategy aimed at displacing local communities and seizing land.

Atukum highlighted that these attacks have grown in frequency and intensity, and he warned that they are clearly designed to leave the people of Plateau hungry, impoverished, and unable to sustain their livelihoods.

He pointed out that the attackers have used a clear and repetitive pattern of violence—killing residents, chasing them from their homes, and later taking control of the properties, including farmland.

“These attacks are primarily about land grabbing,” Atukum stated, adding that the perpetrators are intent on economically sabotaging the local population.

He dismissed claims that the violence is the result of farmer-herder clashes, a narrative that has been widely circulated in the past.

“How can there be a clash in someone’s bedroom?” he remarked, emphasizing that the attackers enter villages at night and strike directly at people in their homes.

According to Atukum, these assailants are often believed to descend from the hills, where they hide their weapons, making it difficult for security forces to track them down.

The former military governor called on President Bola Tinubu to issue specific and actionable orders to the Nigerian military to deal decisively with these armed groups.

“The only way to stop these mindless killings in our communities is for the President to instruct the military to root out these criminals from their hiding places in the hills,” Atukum asserted.

Atukum also expressed grave concerns about the broader socioeconomic impact of these attacks on the local population. “We are in the farming season now, and we are seeing a drastic reduction in the number of farmers able to work their lands,” he said.

With many residents fleeing their homes to escape violence, large swathes of farmland have been left abandoned or destroyed. Plateau State, which has a predominantly agrarian economy, relies heavily on its farming population, and Atukum warned that the disruption of this essential industry could lead to severe food shortages and widespread hunger.

“The people of Plateau are now facing not just loss of life, but the destruction of their livelihood. These attacks are driving farmers away from their lands, and without farmers, there is no food production. This will lead to perpetual hunger and poverty,” he added.

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Atukum further highlighted that the ordinary citizens—especially those who depend on farming for survival—are bearing the heaviest brunt of these killings. With each attack, communities are stripped of their ability to grow food, setting them on a path to long-term economic hardship.

While urging the government to take swift action, Atukum also called on the residents of Plateau to defend themselves against the escalating violence. However, he cautioned against resorting to vigilantism or taking the law into their own hands.

“People have the right to protect themselves, but they must be mindful not to escalate the situation further,” he said. “The law enforcement agencies should lead the effort to bring perpetrators to justice, but the people of Plateau must be vigilant and stand firm against the attacks.”

Atukum’s call for action reflects growing concerns about the broader implications of the violence in Plateau. While the state has long experienced tensions linked to inter-communal conflicts, the increasing sophistication and frequency of these attacks have raised alarm across Nigeria.

The issue is no longer confined to Plateau alone, as the pattern of violence has started to spread to neighboring states, with similar tactics being employed by attackers.

The retired Rear Admiral’s statements come at a time when security concerns in northern Nigeria have reached a boiling point, with both government officials and citizens demanding stronger measures to curb violence, protect livelihoods, and restore peace to affected regions.

In conclusion, Atukum’s call for a robust, coordinated effort from the Nigerian military and security agencies is not just a plea for immediate intervention but also a demand for sustainable peace and stability in Plateau and the wider region.

As the country grapples with this complex security challenge, the commitment of both local and national authorities will be crucial in preventing further loss of life and ensuring a safe environment for all Nigerians.

NAN