Over 40 people were killed and more than 1,000 displaced after coordinated attacks on several Plateau State villages, including Hurti. Local leaders report extensive property destruction, with 383 homes burned. Officials condemned the violence, pledging increased security and humanitarian aid to affected communities as residents call for urgent intervention.
At least 40 people were killed and over 1,000 forced to flee after coordinated attacks tore through several communities in Plateau State’s Bokkos Local Government Area last week, according to local officials.
The devastation was most severe in Hurti village, where Mr. Maren Aradong, the community’s traditional leader, recounted the harrowing events during a government-led visit on Sunday. Speaking to Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Samuel Jatau and other officials, Aradong said the attackers, arriving on motorcycles, struck with brutal force.
“They came in broad daylight, around 3 p.m., overwhelming our villages,” he said. “In Hurti alone, more than 40 lives were lost. Homes were torched, food supplies looted, and families displaced overnight.”
According to Aradong, a staggering 383 houses were razed in the assault, further deepening the humanitarian crisis unfolding across Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and neighboring communities.
The violence, which erupted on April 2, has drawn sharp condemnation from Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who described the attacks as a "coordinated crime" orchestrated by "conflict merchants" — rejecting long-standing narratives framing such violence as mere clashes between farmers and herders.
Retired Brigadier General Gagji Shipi, coordinator of Operation Rainbow, a state-backed security initiative, confirmed the scale of destruction, lamenting that the attack was a major blow to ongoing peace efforts. Shipi assured residents that preventive measures are now being strengthened to curb further violence.
During Sunday’s visit, Jatau extended condolences to grieving families and pledged the state's continued support. He also appealed to Nigeria’s federal government to step in with relief for the displaced.
“It’s heartbreaking that innocent citizens are still being targeted in this manner,” Jatau said. “We’ve witnessed the devastation firsthand. The state government stands with the affected communities, and we will not abandon them.”
While the shock of the attacks lingers, residents say their immediate needs include security reinforcements, food aid, and shelter. For many displaced families, the road to recovery is likely to be long and uncertain.
