Hundreds of Christian faithful marched through the Plateau State Government House on Monday as religious leaders led a solemn protest tagged “Plateau Walk For Peace” against the recent wave of killings in Plateau State.
The peace walk, organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Church Denominational Leaders Forum, came in response to brutal attacks that claimed over 50 lives in Bokkos and Bassa local government areas.
Rev. Amos Monzo, who led the procession, described the killings as “calculated acts of terror” targeting Christian communities. Dressed in symbolic black, red and white outfits, protesters carried placards demanding immediate government action to end the violence that has plagued Plateau State for over a decade.
The religious leaders presented disturbing details of recent attacks, including the April 1 massacre where over 38 villagers were killed in coordinated assaults across Daffo, Manguna and other communities. They revealed how attackers burned 180 houses and destroyed food stores, creating humanitarian crises in affected areas.
Particular condemnation was reserved for the April 14 attack in Bassa LGA where 51 people were killed within 45 minutes. “The attackers came from Kaduna on motorbikes, spoke Fulfulde, and vanished without confrontation from security forces,” Rev. Monzo stated, calling it evidence of “ethno-religious cleansing.”
The forum strongly rejected government characterizations of the violence as “farmer-herder clashes.” They presented evidence showing attackers specifically target Christian homes at night and farms during daytime while sparing Fulani settlements. “This is premeditated terrorism, not communal conflict,” the clerics insisted.
Among their key demands is the immediate establishment of community policing units with proper training and equipment. The leaders emphasized that local security structures would better protect vulnerable villages than the current centralized security approach that has failed to prevent repeated attacks.
The protesters also demanded thorough investigations to identify and prosecute not just the killers but their sponsors. “We need accountability beyond the foot soldiers,” said Monzo. “Those financing and enabling this violence must face justice.”
Humanitarian assistance formed another critical demand, with calls for emergency food, medical care and shelter for thousands displaced by the violence. The leaders proposed a comprehensive rebuilding program for destroyed homes, schools and health centers across affected communities.
Religious leaders expressed alarm about the targeting of community leaders, citing the kidnapping of Magi village head Musa Mallo Wang whose captors still hold him despite ransom payment. They called for enhanced protection for traditional and religious figures.
President Tinubu’s condemnation of the attacks was acknowledged but deemed insufficient. “We need concrete security measures, not just statements,” Rev. Monzo stressed, urging the president to visit Plateau and see the devastation firsthand.
In response, The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has pledged to ensure justice for victims of recent attacks in Plateau State, addressing religious leaders during their peace walk. He thanked CAN and church leaders for speaking out, stating, “The time has come when every Nigerian must say enough is enough.”
The governor acknowledged Plateau’s two-decade struggle with insecurity, which has prevented farmers from working and families from sleeping safely. Mutfwang revealed that security agencies have made arrests linked to the killings and promised perpetrators would not go free. “We will seek justice for the dead,” he declared, adding that his administration is working with President Tinubu and security chiefs to redesign protection strategies for vulnerable communities.
He urged citizens to maintain peaceful values while assuring them of the government’s commitment to their defense. The governor condemned illegal mining and drug abuse as fueling crises, calling on youth to embrace lawful opportunities. “Plateau’s minerals belong to our people,” he said, outlining plans to organize and equip mining communities for safer, more profitable ventures.
He emphasized communal unity, urging residents to farm in groups for security. Mutfwang appealed for interfaith solidarity, noting that Muslim communities also suffer from the violence. “This evil affects us all,” he stressed, dismissing narratives that reduce the conflict to isolated incidents.
He promised to personally deliver the protesters’ demands to President Tinubu and ensure follow-up action. The Governor declared: “Plateau shall be free.” He urged continued prayers and vigilance, assuring citizens that his administration prioritizes service over politics. “The troublemakers we see today, we will see them no more,” he vowed.
