Chairman of the Plateau State fact-finding committee, Major General Nicholas Rogas (Rtd), has urged communities in crisis-prone areas to develop their own defense systems, including vigilante groups and emergency response strategies, while awaiting military intervention. He made this appeal during the committee’s visit to Bokkos LGA, noting the terrain’s difficulty, sparse settlements, and slow security response time as reasons locals must act swiftly to protect themselves before help arrives.
As part of efforts to end the incessant attacks in Plateau State, the fact-finding committee constituted by Governor Caleb Mutfwang convened at Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) to understand the underlying issues fueling the violence and to propose practical recommendations that will help bring lasting peace.
On arrival, the committee was welcomed by the Chairman of Bokkos LGA, Amalau Samuel Amalau, who briefed them on the current situation.
“Welcome to Bokkos Local Government, the food basket of the state. I appreciate the governor for constituting this committee in these trying times. Since March 2025, we have experienced a series of attacks — lives have been lost, homes destroyed, and some districts deserted. Just last night, we had an incident of night grazing, and during the week, some houses were burnt down. Two days ago, two churches were burnt,” Amalau stated.
Speaking on their efforts and challenges, he added, “Presently, we have three IDP camps, and with the help of the state government and other humanitarian groups, we’ve been able to provide some relief materials. However, our biggest challenge is accessing some affected communities due to the terrain. Security agents are trying their best, using bikes to reach these communities. We now have security presence in the IDP camps.”
The committee held three separate closed-door meetings with stakeholder heads, including representatives of the IJN, CAN, women leaders, community leaders, the traditional ruler and council of chiefs, the head of the Miyetti Allah, as well as the security apparatus.
His Royal Highness Lawrence Aizat, the acting Saf Ron of Bokkos, in his welcome address, stated, “We are peace-loving people and we want peace. We appreciate the governor for this initiative and are ready to work with you to ensure peace.”
At the end of the meetings, the committee chairman, Major General Nicholas Rogas (Rtd), stated that the issues in Bokkos mirrored those in Mangu LGA.
“The main issues raised were kidnapping, land grabbing, and open grazing, which affect both communities (Mangu and Bokkos). There were also reports of isolated killings. The stakeholders have proffered solutions and pledged to live together peacefully and improve their inter-community relations,” he noted.
Addressing the terrain challenges peculiar to Bokkos communities, the chairman said, “One of the major problems of this local government is the terrain. When an attack occurs, it is difficult for security agencies to get there on time. It’s part of the issues we discussed with the security personnel, and we will assess the recommendations provided. However, if they keep their promise to live together in peace, then the terrain will not be an issue. We are looking to bring an end to the attacks, not manage the aftermath.”
The committee visited the IDP camps and deserted communities, including the COCIN Church in Ir’Ngwapkap, where the pastor was killed while resisting a kidnapping attempt. The church premises are now being used as an IDP camp, with security presence stationed in the Ir’Ngwapkap district of the Mushere Chiefdom. They also visited the Horop IDP camp in the Horop district of the Mushere Chiefdom.
After assessing the communities, the committee chairman stressed the urgency of restoring peace and helping the displaced return home.
“We are in the Mbor community in Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos LGA, and this community is completely deserted. All their houses have been burnt down, properties looted, and no one resides here. We will examine the situation critically, proffer recommendations, and forward them to the state government. One of the recommendations will possibly be support for the renovation of the houses so that the people can return, and to prevent outsiders from taking over their property. Additional security will also be needed,” he said.
“But one thing is important, and that is locals must find a way to protect themselves — by either creating vigilante groups or routines that can run around the clock before the military can arrive when problems arise. Considering the peculiarities of their terrain — sparsely built homes, long distances between settlements, poor road networks, and the general remoteness — they also need to develop a quick response mechanism they can implement before security agents arrive during crisis situations.”
On the idea of relocating farm communities for safety, he said, “That is a good idea, but it will be difficult to convince people because this kind of settlement is traditional and natural to them. Rather than doing that, it’s important to put an end to the attacks. We don’t want to displace people from their ancestral homes.”
A community leader in Mbor, Mushere Chiefdom, lamented the repeated invasions that eventually led to the burning of homes and the displacement of residents. Hon. Michael, President of the Mushere Chiefdom Development Association, expressed hope for stronger security following the committee’s visit.
“Now that the government has come to assess the situation on the ground, we hope to see more security agents in the community so that we can return to our farms. Even if the natives can’t come back to settle here yet due to the burnt houses, we hope to at least see enough security presence to allow us access to our farms and return to the neighboring villages or IDP camps, as almost all the natives are farmers,” he said.
Samuel, a victim whose house was burnt in Mbor, also expressed sorrow over his loss. He stated that his family is currently staying with relatives in Mangu.
