Key Points

• Over 40 people were killed and 383 houses were destroyed in the Plateau community attack.

• Around 1,000 people were displaced by the gunmen’s assault in Hurti.

• Government officials visit the area, provide relief, and call for more support.

Gunmen attacked the Hurti community in Plateau State on April 2, killing over 40 people and destroying 383 houses, according to the village head, Maren Aradong.

The attackers, suspected to be armed herders, also targeted nearby communities such as Josho and Daffo in the Manguna District of Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA). The assault left about 1,000 people displaced.

Aradong shared details of the attack during a visit by Plateau government officials. He described how the gunmen came on motorcycles, looted foodstuffs and other items, and set homes on fire.

“In Hurti alone, these gunmen killed more than 40 people and displaced about 1,000 persons,” Aradong said, expressing concern over the extent of the destruction.

Reaction from Authorities

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from across Nigeria, including from President Bola Tinubu and Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

Governor Mutfwang described the assault as a coordinated crime rather than a typical farmer-herder clash, blaming “conflict merchants” for fueling the violence.

Gagji Shipi, coordinator of the state-owned Operation Rainbow security unit, called the attack a setback for the peace efforts in the state.

He assured that steps were being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

During their visit, the government delegation, led by Secretary to the State Government Samuel Jatau, expressed condolences to the affected families.

Jatau also urged the federal government to provide further support for the displaced persons. “We are here to see things for ourselves and ascertain the level of damage,” Jatau said.

The delegation delivered relief materials, including mattresses, sleeping mats, rice, beans, maize, blankets, and soap, to assist the victims.

Plateau’s History of Violent Attacks

Plateau State has experienced numerous such attacks over the years, often linked to land disputes between rural farmers and migrant herders.

In many instances, migrant herders, including those from the Fulani community, have been accused of hiring outsiders to launch attacks against communities they have grievances with.

These violent conflicts have extended beyond Plateau, with other states like Kaduna and Benue also witnessing similar attacks.