Former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Dr. Joshua Chibi Dariye, has strongly condemned the renewed wave of deadly attacks on communities in Bokkos Local Government Area, describing them as “barbaric, unwarranted, and unacceptable.”
The attacks, reportedly carried out by gunmen suspected to be Fulani militia, have claimed the lives of over 20 residents and left several others injured.
In a statement signed by the former governor, Senator Dariye expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity in the region, pointing to the latest assaults on Ruwi, Mangor, Manguna, Hurti, Tadai, and Daffo communities. He lamented the recurring violence, stating it required “more proactive measures by security agencies to nib it in the bud.”
“The killing of 11 mourners in Ruwi last week and similar killings by the same blood-thirsty merchants of death in Mangor, Manguna, Hurti, Tadai and Daffo in one fell swoop where another 10 lost their lives is highly condemnable, senseless and provocative,” the statement read.
Senator Dariye went further to express alarm over what he termed a systematic plan to displace the indigenous people of Bokkos from their ancestral lands. “The systematic decimation of Bokkos people which casualties have risen up to 3,000 in the last two years, is a calculated attempt aimed at wiping them away from their ancestral lands which, for all intents and purposes, is the target of expansionists who are bent on taking the people’s lands,” he said.
He warned that if the government fails to take decisive action, the consequences could extend beyond the immediate loss of life. “These development if not put in check by government, it will lead to food crisis which is already at an alarming stage. Bokkos is an agrarian Community where most of its population indulge in farming and if these ceaseless attacks continues unabated, it’s going to affect their sources of livelihood,” he warned.
While sympathizing with families who lost loved ones, Senator Dariye urged government agencies including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Red Cross, and other humanitarian organizations to swiftly intervene by providing relief materials to displaced victims.
The senator also acknowledged the efforts of security forces in responding to the crisis but insisted on greater action. He called for the apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators, and recommended the formation of community-based security outfits. “He implored the people to establish Vigilante and Neighborhood Watch to complement government efforts, emphasizing that it was high time citizens stood up to defend themselves and their lands from the marauding terrorists.”
In concluding his statement, Senator Dariye appealed to the Federal Government to expedite the establishment of a military formation in Bokkos, which he noted had already been approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a vital step toward halting further bloodshed in the area.
The press release was signed by Senator Dr. Joshua Chibi Dariye, former Governor of Plateau State.