The Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) has expressed deep concern over the renewed wave of violent attacks in Plateau State, which have claimed numerous lives and forced many residents to flee their homes. The council described the killings as senseless and urged immediate action to restore peace and security in the troubled region.
The NSCEA, in a statement, strongly condemned the series of attacks that have ravaged several villages in Plateau State, resulting in the deaths of over 50 people and the displacement of nearly 2,000 others. It described the incidents as a gross violation of human rights and a major threat to peace and stability in the area.
Recent reports from the region indicate a disturbing rise in deadly assaults:
October 21, 2025: Armed men attacked Daron village in Gyel District, Jos South Local Government Area, killing two people and injuring one. The assailants, suspected to be armed Fulani, struck despite earlier warnings about planned raids in the area.
October 9, 2025: Two people were killed along the Barkin Ladi–Dorowa Babuje road.
July 13, 2025: Suspected gunmen invaded Riyom Local Government Area, killing three people and injuring several others before retreating into the hills after security forces intervened.
April 13, 2025: Suspected Fulani herders attacked the predominantly Christian farming community of Zike, leaving at least 40 people dead.
April 8, 2025: Gunmen killed no fewer than 52 residents and displaced close to 2,000 others across six villages in Bokkos District.
These tragic events reflect a continuing pattern of violence in Plateau State, long affected by deadly clashes involving suspected Fulani herders, communal conflicts, and acts of banditry. The state has recorded hundreds of deaths and mass displacements in recent years, leaving communities traumatized and living in constant fear.
The NSCEA called on the government to take the following urgent actions:
Deploy adequate security forces to protect lives and property across affected areas.
Investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of these attacks to end impunity.
Address root causes of the violence, including poverty, unemployment, and resource competition.
Promote peace and reconciliation among diverse ethnic and religious communities in the state.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, and unity in Nigeria. It urged citizens, faith leaders, and community stakeholders to join hands in building lasting peace through dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect.
“The NSCEA remains steadfast in advocating for a peaceful and united Nigeria,” the statement concluded. “We call on all Nigerians to pray and work together toward ending this cycle of bloodshed and restoring hope to affected communities.”
Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Secretary General, Elders’ Council
Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA)
