The death toll from Sunday night’s brutal assault on Zike hamlet in the Kwall District of Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, has climbed to 52. The incident has left a trail of devastation and stirred nationwide anger, with many calling on both federal and state governments to finally act to protect rural communities often caught in recurring waves of violence.
The community, still reeling from the bloodshed, is grappling with loss and fear. Homes were destroyed, families torn apart, and survivors forced to flee with nothing. The attack, which came without warning, left many injured and displaced, adding to an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.
Local lawmaker Eli Ankala, who represents the Rukuba/Irigwe Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, noted the recurring pattern of violence and government failure to respond adequately.
“We have consistently called on both state and federal governments to establish security outposts in at-risk communities, but our appeals have not been acted upon. If people begin to take matters into their own hands due to this neglect, the situation could spiral beyond control,” Ankala warned.
Youth leaders and civil groups have echoed the same frustration. Ezekiel Bini, who chairs the Coalition of Plateau Youth Ethnic Nationalities, gave a heart-wrenching account of the destruction.
“What we witnessed is deeply tragic. An entire family of eight was wiped out in one house. Homes have been reduced to rubble. Despite signing several peace agreements, they have proven ineffective as the other party never honors their commitments,” he said.
Another community voice, Solomon Mwantiri, President of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, did not hold back in urging bold steps.
“It is time for the federal and state governments to not only declare Fulani militants as terrorists but also enact legislation that permits Nigerians to bear arms for self-defense,” Mwantiri said.
In the aftermath, a mass burial was conducted for the victims. Survivors, many of them women and children, have sought shelter in nearby villages, relying on aid from churches, local groups, and well-wishers. Tents, food, and medical help are urgently needed as relief efforts struggle to catch up with the rising number of displaced people.
