Violent Attacks in Nigeria Leave Over 100 Dead Amid Ethnic Tensions

A series of violent attacks in Plateau state, Nigeria, has left over 100 individuals dead, with survivors illustrating the indiscriminate nature of the assaults against civilians. The violence has intensified existing ethnic and land conflicts between farmers and herders, prompting local officials to discuss the need for strategic responses and the involvement of vigilante groups.

In Jos, Nigeria, on April 16, 2025, a tragic wave of violence erupted, resulting in the deaths of over 100 individuals following two catastrophic attacks in Plateau state. Survivors recount harrowing tales of gunfire and machete assaults that indiscriminately targeted innocent civilians, including a nine-month-old infant.

The attacks, which occurred in the span of two weeks, have intensified longstanding ethnic and land disputes between farmers and herders in the region. Witnesses describe a chaotic scene where the assailants showed no mercy while rampaging through homes, as survivor Peter John recounted how he narrowly escaped by climbing onto his roof from his family’s house.

John tragically lost multiple family members, including his younger sister and her daughter, to the brutality of the assault. The ongoing conflicts between predominantly Christian farmers and Muslim Fulani herders are exacerbated by issues such as climate change and illegal land activities.

Local officials have been cautious in their statements about the attacks, yet some politicians assert that there may be orchestrated efforts behind the violence, suggesting external support for the perpetrators. Plateau state Governor Caleb Mutfwang criticized this view but acknowledged the severity, calling it a systematic and premeditated campaign against the populace.

In response, authorities instituted restrictions, including a ban on night cattle grazing and encouraged local vigilante groups to coordinate patrols. However, survivor accounts indicate a failure of these measures, as security forces vacated the area before the assaults occurred, leaving communities vulnerable and afraid.

Eyewitnesses describe the horrifying encounters, with some attackers shouting religious phrases as they carried out their onslaught. The intensity of the violence has compelled many to seek help locally, but lines of communication during emergencies seem to have failed, hampering response efforts and leading to additional loss of life.

The recent massacres in Plateau state, Nigeria, underline the urgent need for effective intervention to address the underlying ethnic tensions and violence plaguing the region. The testimonies of survivors highlight a community grappling with trauma, fear, and a sense of abandonment by security forces. Authorities must reassess their strategies to prevent further bloodshed and establish long-lasting peace in the affected areas.

Original Source: www.bssnews.net