The Plateau State Government has expressed deep frustration over the Nigerian military’s failure to intervene during a deadly attack in Bindi (Jebu) village, Tahoss District of Riyom Local Government Area, where more than 20 villagers were killed last Tuesday.
The assault, allegedly perpetrated by armed herders, occurred a mere 200 meters from a military checkpoint—raising public outrage and fresh demands for accountability in security operations across the State.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief and TVC on Friday, the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Ramnap, did not mince words about the government’s disappointment over what she described as the military’s inaction despite their strategic proximity to the crime scene.
“This is not a hidden community that we would say is inaccessible. The checkpoint is barely 200 meters from where the incident happened. It is baffling that such an atrocity could be carried out without a single arrest or any confrontation,” Ramnap stated.
According to reports, the assailants attacked from three directions, burning homes, destroying farmlands, and killing entire families. While local vigilantes managed to repel one group, another penetrated the area around a church where many residents were taking shelter—leading to the highest number of casualties.
“The community expected help that never came,” Ramnap added. “If you are that close and you engaged them closely like that, you should be able to identify the route they used to escape and implement measures to intercept them. But so far, no arrests have been made.”
She also narrated the account of a local pastor who fled his home in fear. “The pastor said he could not wait to be slaughtered. He left, his wife followed him, and in his own house, six people were killed,” she revealed.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, she said, has demanded an immediate investigation and insists that at least some arrests must be made to deter further attacks and restore confidence in the system.
“We are not here to generalize or accuse the entire Nigerian Army. We recognize that there are gallant officers, even within Plateau State, doing their best. But clearly, there are some bad eggs whose actions—or inactions—are costing innocent lives,” the Commissioner clarified.
The Plateau State Government condemned the incident as an “unprovoked and despicable” act of violence, noting that the attack went beyond killings to include the destruction of farmlands, worsening the humanitarian crisis already plaguing the region.
Echoing the Governor’s earlier remarks, Ramnap described the recurring violence as genocidal, aimed at displacing indigenous communities. “This is not just about property or politics. Lives are being lost regularly, and entire communities are being displaced. We can’t afford to downplay this anymore,” she said.
While the military has yet to respond publicly to the allegations, the attack has intensified scrutiny of Nigeria’s security forces and raised urgent questions about the role and effectiveness of troops stationed in volatile areas.
As mourning continues in Bindi village, many residents say they are left to bury not only their dead, but also their trust in a system they believe has failed them.
