Plateau killings: Tinubu orders offensive as fresh attack leaves 51 dead

President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the renewed violence in Plateau State, calling on the state’s leadership to urgently seek a lasting solution to the recurring communal conflicts.
This follows the killing of at least 51 people and the injury of many others in the early hours of Monday during attacks on the Zikke and Kakpa communities in Bassa Local Government Area. The incident occurred just two weeks after similar deadly clashes in another part of the state.
Last week, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that at least 52 people had been killed and nearly 2,000 displaced in a series of attacks across Plateau—a state long plagued by conflict between farming communities and pastoralist groups.
On Monday, residents confirmed the recovery of 51 bodies from the Zikke and Kimakpa villages in Bassa, with many more reported injured. The exact motive behind the latest attack remains unclear.
“We cannot allow this devastation and the tit-for-tat attacks to continue. Enough is enough,” Tinubu said in a statement signed Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu condemns latest attack in Plateau, charges Governor Mutfwang to resolve underlying communal issues.’
Tinubu expressed profound sorrow over the bloodshed and extended his condolences to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the state government, and the people of Plateau.
The President argued that “The ongoing violence between communities in Plateau State, rooted in misunderstandings between different ethnic and religious groups, must cease.”
Therefore, he called on the governor to demonstrate political resolve in addressing the underlying communal issues fueling the violence and establishing enduring peace.
“Beyond dealing with the criminal elements of these incessant killings, the political leadership in Plateau State, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, must address the root cause of this age-long problem.
“These problems have been with us for more than two decades. We can no longer ignore the underlying issues.
“It is time to tackle them fairly and find a lasting solution. I have discussed these problems with the governor over time and offered suggestions for lasting peace,” Tinubu asserted.
He emphasised the importance of fostering unity and harmony across ethnic and religious lines.
Tinubu also appealed to community, spiritual, and political leaders both within and outside Plateau State to work together to halt the cycle of retaliatory attacks devastating affected communities.
He said, “I have instructed security agencies to thoroughly investigate this crisis and identify those responsible for orchestrating these violent acts.”
President Tinubu reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Plateau State government in fostering dialogue, social cohesion, and accountability, crucial steps towards permanently resolving the conflict.
“The Federal Government remains committed to supporting Governor Mutfwang and the Plateau State government in promoting dialogue, fostering social cohesion, and ensuring accountability – crucial steps towards permanently resolving the conflict in Plateau,” he concluded.