Bandits Seize Control of 64 Communities in Plateau State, Laments Governor Muftwang

Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Muftwang, has lamented that armed bandits have effectively taken over 64 communities across three Local Government Areas of the state. They are Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom.

This revelation underscores the escalating insecurity in the region.

Speaking to Channels Television, Governor Muftwang stated that these communities have not only been occupied by bandits but, in some instances, renamed, with the original inhabitants forcibly displaced and the bandits now residing on their land.

He described the situation as a form of “genocide sponsored by terrorists,” suggesting a coordinated effort to displace and potentially eliminate communities in the state.

“As I am talking to you, there are not less than 64 communities that have been taken over by bandits on the Plateau between Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas,.

“They have been taken over, renamed, and people are living there conveniently on lands they pushed people away to occupy,” Mufwang regretted.

The displacement follows series of devastating attacks in Plateau State. Most recently, in early April 2025, over 50 people were killed in coordinated assaults on several communities in the Bokkos Local Government Area.

Muftwang has consistently condemned these attacks, labeling the violence as unprovoked and suggesting a link to land grabbing and the displacement of local populations, particularly as the farming season approaches.

The governor has also pointed to the involvement of external forces sponsoring these attacks, moving beyond the narrative of mere farmer-herder clashes.

He has called on security agencies to intensify efforts to uncover the sponsors and bring them to justice, emphasizing that the attacks were well-organized and aimed at destabilizing the state.

In response to the escalating crisis, Governor Muftwang’s administration has been exploring various strategies to enhance security in the state. Just days ago, on April 4, 2025, the governor unveiled modern security technology, including advanced drones for intelligence gathering and rapid response, in partnership with Briech UAS Limited.

He stressed the importance of technology in tackling the complex security challenges facing the state and commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts.

Furthermore, Governor Muftwang has been vocal about ensuring justice for the victims of these attacks. He has stated that the era of arresting perpetrators without prosecution is over and has vowed to pursue and prosecute all those involved in the violence.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, recently visited Plateau State and assured the government and people of the Federal Government’s commitment to ending the killings and bringing those responsible to justice.

The takeover of these 64 communities represents a significant escalation in the security challenges facing Plateau State, raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the affected population and the territorial integrity of the region.

The state government, with the support of federal authorities, faces an urgent task in dislodging the bandits, ensuring the safe return of displaced communities, and restoring peace and security to the troubled areas.