The Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum (PLBF) has strongly condemned the ongoing brutal attacks by armed militias on farming communities in Plateau State, with the recent bloodshed in Bokkos Local Government Area sparking renewed outrage.
In a press release dated April 7, 2025, and signed by Chairman Ledak D. Dafer and Secretary Niri I. Darong, the Forum described the violence as a “genocide” that has continued unchecked for over two decades.
They faulted the Federal Government and security agencies for failing in their primary responsibility of protecting lives, saying, “The response of the Federal Government remains grossly inadequate.”
The lawyers highlighted the failure of investigations and prosecutions, accusing authorities of conducting “shoddy and unprofessional” operations that result in attackers walking free, thereby encouraging further impunity.
PLBF threw its weight behind the recent recommendation by the Director General of the State Security Service (DSS), who advised that communities be allowed to arm themselves for self-defense.
According to the Forum, “The tragic events in Bokkos could have been mitigated, or casualties significantly reduced, had communities been equipped to fend off attackers.”
The group demanded immediate government action, including relief for displaced persons, increased military presence, and legal empowerment of community defense groups to prevent further bloodshed.
They also urged scientific and legal collaboration in investigating the killings to ensure that evidence gathered can stand the test of prosecution in court.
Another key demand was for the Plateau State Government to transform its Executive Order on grazing into a full-fledged anti-open grazing law, in line with global best practices.
PLBF emphasized that only through decisive action and justice can the cycle of violence and displacement be broken. “The suffering endured by the people of Plateau State for over two decades must end. Enough is enough!” they declared.
They warned that empty promises and delayed responses were no longer acceptable, stressing that “the time for rhetoric is over” and lives must be protected now.
The statement concluded with a call to the Federal Government to act swiftly on the DSS recommendation, warning that continued inaction would only lead to more unnecessary deaths.
