Over 150 Killed in Two Weeks: Renewed Violence in Plateau, Benue, and Adamawa Sparks National Outrage

In a deeply troubling resurgence of violence, no fewer than 144 persons have been killed across Plateau and Benue states in the last two weeks, following a series of coordinated attacks attributed to armed herdsmen. The onslaught has left dozens injured, hundreds displaced, and entire communities in ruins. Compounding the crisis, Boko Haram insurgents also launched deadly attacks in Adamawa State, claiming at least seven more lives.

The latest massacre occurred on Tuesday evening in Otobi Akpa community, Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. According to eyewitnesses, over 20 armed herdsmen stormed the area around 6:00 p.m., shooting sporadically and setting ablaze more than 50 houses. At least 13 people were confirmed dead, while several others sustained gunshot and machete wounds.

An anonymous resident recounted the horror: “The herdsmen opened fire on anyone in sight. Many of our people died instantly, some were butchered. Brains were scattered on the streets.”

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Plateau, Benue Under Siege

In Plateau State alone, 104 people were reportedly killed—52 in Bassa LGA and another 52 in Bokkos LGA. In Benue, 40 more were murdered across multiple attacks. The violence has triggered mass displacement, with survivors seeking refuge in public facilities like the Federal Government College, Otobi.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State responded by announcing immediate security measures. Effective April 16, night grazing of cattle and transportation of livestock by vehicles after 7:00 p.m. are now banned. Motorbike use is also restricted from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Addressing the state in a broadcast, Mutfwang declared: “This is not random violence… This is a systematic and premeditated campaign—one that seeks to displace, destabilise, and instill terror.”

He called for the reactivation of vigilante groups, night patrols in partnership with security agencies, and announced plans to appoint a special peace envoy and establish an independent fact-finding committee.

Adamawa Communities Targeted by Boko Haram

While Plateau and Benue continue to count their losses, Adamawa State was not spared. In the early hours of Tuesday, Boko Haram insurgents struck Banga and Larh communities in Hong LGA, killing at least seven people. Explosives detonated during the assault claimed the life of a local vigilante and destroyed a police van.

Local accounts say the insurgents arrived in large numbers and shot sporadically, forcing residents to flee. “In the twinkle of an eye, the entire communities were deserted,” said a resident, Ma’am Yakub. Several people are still missing, prompting renewed calls for heightened military presence.

National Reactions: Calls for Action and Leadership

The bloodshed has sparked national outrage, with prominent voices demanding immediate federal intervention. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, emphasized that the failure to enforce the 2021 ban on open grazing—adopted by both Northern and Southern Governors—has fueled ongoing violence.

“We call on President Bola Tinubu to direct the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army in Jos, and the AIG Zone 4 of the Nigeria Police Force to restore law and order in Benue and Plateau without any further delay,” Falana urged.

Meanwhile, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, criticized President Tinubu for remaining abroad amid the crisis. In a message titled “Mr. President, Domestic problems beckon,” Obi wrote: “In the two weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives… The primary duty of any government is securing the lives and property of its citizens.”

Northern Elders Forum Condemns Federal Inaction

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) described the killings as “barbaric” and a “national disgrace.” In a statement signed by spokesperson Prof. Abubakar Jika Jiddere, NEF expressed deep sorrow over the continued bloodshed and demanded swift federal intervention.

“It is unacceptable that such acts of mass murder continue unabated, with little or no meaningful response from those charged with safeguarding the nation,” the statement read.

NEF called for a massive deployment of security forces, swift prosecution of perpetrators, and compensation for victims. The forum also advocated for an independent investigative panel to determine the root causes and prevent future attacks.

A Nation Demands Peace

As survivors bury their dead and communities mourn the loss of loved ones, Nigerians are united in a single plea: restore peace and justice. The repeated massacres in Plateau, Benue, and Adamawa highlight deep-rooted security failures and the urgent need for coherent, sustained federal action.

If unaddressed, these crises risk further destabilizing the region, worsening humanitarian conditions, and eroding public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens. The time for rhetoric is over—action must now take center stage.