Escalating Violence in Nigeria’s Plateau State: Survivors Share Horror Stories
Nigeria’s Plateau state has seen over 100 fatalities from recent gun and machete attacks targeting innocent civilians. Survivors recount tragic loss and escalating ethnic tensions between farmers and herders, compounded by government inaction and rising violence. Local officials are calling for increased security measures in response to these dire circumstances.
Recent attacks in Nigeria’s Plateau state have resulted in over 100 fatalities, with survivors recounting harrowing experiences. Victims, including a nine-month-old baby, were brutally killed by assailants wielding guns and machetes. Witnesses described indiscriminate shooting in the villages, raising concerns about an escalation in the long-standing ethnic and religious conflict between farmers and herders in the region.
Peter John, a survivor of the attack on the village of Kimakpa, recounted the heart-wrenching death of his family members, including his sister and young niece. He managed to escape by climbing onto the roof while attackers indiscriminately murdered his relatives. This violence is exacerbated by ongoing disputes driven by land access, climate change, and ethnic tensions in Plateau, as farmers, predominantly Christian, clash with Muslim Fulani herders.
The violence has led politicians, such as Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to characterize the situation as a “systematic and premeditated campaign” with external backing. His administration’s response included banning night cattle grazing and urging local vigilante groups to patrol the area. However, for survivors like John, the response came too late; as he stated, the attackers had already wreaked havoc by the time assistance was attempted.
Additionally, eyewitness accounts detailed the shock of unexpected violence and the feeling of helplessness among villagers. Security forces had been present earlier but departed before the attacks commenced. Survivors like Diwe Gado Diwe and Jessica John illustrated the desperation and tragedy faced by many families, with loved ones either lost or severely injured.
Despite the government’s efforts to impose measures and invoke community security, the apparent lack of immediate protection raises pressing questions about the effectiveness of these strategies amidst the continuing cycle of violence and impunity.
The tragic events in Plateau state highlight the increasing violence stemming from ethnic and religious tension, compounded by resource disputes and the effects of climate change. The lack of effective governmental control and the experience of survivors underscore the urgency of addressing these issues comprehensively. The dialogue surrounding such conflicts necessitates a focus on long-term solutions rather than attributing them solely to isolated incidents.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
