Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a security crackdown and demanded swift action after fresh violence in Plateau State claimed the lives of at least 51 people. The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday, June 16, 2025, in the Zikke and Kakpa communities of Bassa Local Government Area.
The tragic incident marks yet another wave of bloodshed in the state, just two weeks after similar attacks left over 50 dead and thousands displaced.
Reacting to the renewed violence, Tinubu condemned the killings and urged Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to confront the root causes of the persistent communal crisis.
“We cannot allow this devastation and tit-for-tat killings to continue. Enough is enough,” the President said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
While expressing deep sorrow, Tinubu extended his condolences to the victims’ families and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support in restoring peace. “These attacks are rooted in long-standing ethnic and religious tensions. We must put an end to them,” he said.
He stressed the importance of unity and urged spiritual, traditional, and political leaders to rise to the occasion. Tinubu also revealed that security agencies have been directed to investigate the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The President warned that peace in Plateau would only be achieved through political will, sincere dialogue, and sustained collaboration. “The problems have existed for more than two decades. It’s time to tackle them fairly and permanently,” he added.
Youth Group Demands Fulani Militants Be Declared Terrorists
The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) condemned the attacks and called on the Federal Government to declare Fulani militants as terrorists. In a strongly worded statement, the group described the killings as systematic and premeditated.
Signed by its National President, Solomon Mwantiri, and General Secretary, Bature Adazaram, the statement decried the attack on Kimakpa and Zikke villages and linked the latest killings to earlier violence in Bokkos and Hurti communities.
“The coordinated massacre of innocent villagers, including women and children, is nothing short of terrorism,” the group said. The BYM also called for legislation enabling Nigerians to legally bear arms for self-defense.
Amnesty International Condemns Security Failures
Amnesty International Nigeria described the latest attacks as preventable and demanded accountability. The organization stated that the repeated violence highlights severe security lapses.
“The inexcusable failures that led to this attack, barely two weeks after the killing of 52 people, must be fully investigated,” Amnesty’s statement read.
Troops Rescue 16 Kidnap Victims Along Jos-Mangu Road
In a separate development, Nigerian troops from the 3 Division and Operation Safe Haven successfully rescued 16 kidnapped passengers, including six children, on Sunday night.
According to Major Samson Zhakom, troops discovered an abandoned vehicle near Mararaban Kantoma in Mangu LGA, prompting a search that led to the kidnappers’ hideout. The abductors opened fire, but were overpowered and fled the scene, leaving the hostages behind.
First aid was administered to those with minor injuries before they were escorted to safety. Troops are now tracking the fleeing suspects, who may have sustained gunshot wounds.
