The Bokkos Cultural Development Forum (BCDF) Vanguard wishes to draw the attention of the government and the general public to the recent tragic events in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. Our community is deeply grieved and outraged by the brutal murder of two innocent youths—Mark Ajoro and Iliya Matawal—on 7th June 2025. Both were indigenes of the Ron Nation and were reportedly killed by Fulani assailants in what has been described as a retaliatory attack.
We unequivocally condemn this unprovoked and senseless violence. It is unacceptable that such acts of brutality continue unchecked. We demand that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes be brought to justice without delay. As a youth body committed to peace, we have continually urged our members to remain law-abiding despite repeated provocations. However, the growing impunity and lack of government response have stretched our capacity to maintain calm among our aggrieved youths.
Furthermore, we strongly denounce the defamatory narratives being circulated against the Ron people. The attempt to malign and falsely accuse an entire indigenous community of a crime they neither committed nor supported is not only unjust but also a deliberate act of incitement. We call for an immediate end to this malicious propaganda.
Reliable accounts confirm that the Fulani man whose death allegedly triggered this violence was shot during an altercation in which he reportedly opened fire on his fellow tribesman. This prompted a security operative from Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) Ganda Unit to return fire in self-defense. The officer in question, according to the Area Commander at the Fulani man’s funeral, is currently in custody, and an investigation is ongoing.
Despite this, certain Fulani groups have chosen to exploit the incident as a pretext for further violence and targeted attacks against the peaceful Ron people and other indigenous communities in Plateau State. This calculated distortion of facts is unacceptable, and we urge all stakeholders to reject such divisive misinformation.
The BCDF Vanguard also condemns the sustained pattern of negative propaganda and defamation against our people by certain Fulani groups. This behavior appears to serve as a smokescreen for carrying out well-orchestrated attacks. It is essential that we, as a society, uphold truth, justice, and the rule of law.
We therefore call on the government at all levels to urgently address the insecurity in Bokkos and across Plateau State. Justice must be served, and those responsible for these crimes must be held accountable. We further urge the Federal Government to take decisive steps to remove individuals who are unable or unwilling to live peacefully with their host communities.
We stand in solidarity with the families of the slain youths and reiterate our demand for justice. The people of Bokkos will not be silenced by acts of terror or defamation. Our resolve for peace remains strong, but it must be matched by action from those in authority.
Signed:
Barr. Farmasum Fuddang
Chairman, BCDF Vanguard
Amb. Duwam Bosco
Secretary, BCDF Vanguard
Other BCDF Vanguard Members:
Machief Ayuba
Masara Kim
Barr. Charles Amagong
Barr. John Apollos Maton
Barr. Nantok Dashuwar
Barr. Cornelius Makopson
Barr. Austin Kamshak
Barr. Daniel Malgit Agandu
