Father, two sons killed as fresh violence erupts in Plateau State

Renewed violence has claimed the lives of a father and his two children in Zogu Community of Miango District, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, following an attack by suspected bandits.

The victims—56-year-old Weyi Gebeh and his sons, 25-year-old Zhu Weyi and 16-year-old Henry Weyi were reportedly killed in the early hours of Friday, in what marks a continuation of bloodshed in the region.

This latest incident comes less than a week after over 60 people were killed in coordinated attacks on villages in Bokkos LGA.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Sam Jugo, said: “This recent event brings to 9 deaths recorded this week alone. IDA expresses its utmost displeasure on the deteriorating situation in Irigwe land and calls on the security agencies to do whatever that’s required to halt this barbarism on our land and perpetrators apprehended to face justice.”;

Jugo further expressed frustration over what he described as impunity by those behind the attacks.

“The way criminal elements invade our motherland and kill with impunity seems to suggest a more sinister motive than mere reprisal alleged wrongs. IDA therefore calls the Plateau State government and the security to do the needful and stop the killing of innocent people in Irigwe land.”;

In reaction, the Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities and a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Plateau State also condemned the killings, demanding urgent intervention from both federal and state authorities.

At separate press conferences held at the NUJ Press Centre in Jos, leaders of the groups called for coordinated action to stop what they termed the “ethnic cleansing”; of Plateau communities.

Speaking on behalf of the Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities, Prof. Abraham Dogo, stated:
“On Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, our peace-loving and hardworking farmers in Bokkos local government area of Plateau State were once again attacked in a senseless and brutal massacre.

These innocent and defenceless citizens were mercilessly killed by suspected armed and deadly herders/terrorists — agents of destruction who have no regard for human life, law, or peaceful coexistence.
We demand justice. We demand protection. We demand peace.

We stand today in grief, but not in defeat. We will continue to raise our voices until the lives of every Nigerian, regardless of tribe or faith, are valued and protected.”;

Also speaking, Rev. Chris Damcher, Chairman of the Plateau State Civil Society Organisation Forum, called for peace and solidarity with affected communities:

“We stand with the communities in Bokkos and pray that soon and very soon, they will return to their communities with the setting in of the rains for the farming season.

We pray for the reign of peace in our dear state as we declare that enough of the bloodshed and bloodletting in Plateau State.”;

As pressure mounts on authorities to bring the crisis under control, citizens and advocacy groups continue to call for justice, improved security, and the protection of vulnerable communities in Plateau and the broader Middle Belt region.