Sacked, Scattered, Waiting to Return — Untold story of Plateau’s communities emptied by violence 

By Golok Nanmwa

For decades, Plateau State was celebrated as Nigeria’s “Home of Peace and Tourism,” renowned for its breathtaking hills, fertile farmlands and rich cultural diversity. Communities across the state thrived on agriculture, commerce and peaceful coexistence.

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Today, that identity has been overshadowed by years of recurring violence that have left many rural communities deserted, thousands of residents displaced and vast stretches of farmland abandoned.

Across Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa, Mangu, Jos South, Kanam and Qua’an Pan Local Government Areas, villages that once echoed with children’s laughter, farming activities and bustling markets now bear the scars of repeated attacks.

Homes have been razed, churches and schools destroyed, traditional institutions weakened and thousands of families forced into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps or neighbouring communities.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang recently acknowledged the magnitude of the crisis, disclosing during a television interview that several Plateau communities had been sacked by armed attackers.

According to him, the objective of his administration is not merely to provide temporary humanitarian assistance but to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes. That commitment reflects one of the most pressing humanitarian and security challenges confronting Plateau State today.

Communities emptied by violence

Although Plateau has experienced cycles of violence over the years, the attacks recorded in recent times have deepened the humanitarian crisis.

Among the worst-hit local government areas are Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa, Mangu, Jos South, Kanam and Qua’an Pan, where dozens of communities have suffered repeated attacks.

Many displaced residents told Vanguard they have remained away from home for months because they fear fresh attacks and allege that some farmlands and surrounding areas remain occupied by armed groups. For farming families whose livelihoods depended entirely on agriculture, displacement has meant more than losing their homes. It has also meant losing their only source of income.

Mary Pius, a displaced farmer now living in Heipang, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, said life has become extremely difficult since she fled her community.

“We have lost everything. Our farms are there, but we cannot go back because of fear. We only want peace so we can return home and begin farming again,” she said.

Barkin Ladi: Communities living in fear

Barkin Ladi remains one of Plateau’s major flashpoints. Communities around Ropp, Gashish, Fan, Heipang, Kakuruk, Mazat, Gwol, Fass, Jol, Sabon Layi and surrounding settlements have witnessed repeated attacks over the years.

The July attack on Sabon Layi, where vigilante operatives were reportedly killed, heightened concerns over insecurity despite the deployment of security personnel. It could be recalled that a then serving Senator Gyang Dantong alongside a then member representing Barkin Ladi constituency Hon Gyang Fulani died after attending a mass burial in the local government in July 2012 .Indigenous youth organisations recently commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for establishing an operational base in the area, saying intelligence-driven operations had reduced attacks before fresh violence resurfaced.

The groups alleged that criminal elements had adopted new tactics aimed at frustrating ongoing security operations.

Riyom: “We only want to go home”

Several communities have suffered attacks in Riyom local government. Communities including Kum, Wereng, Rim, Jol, Dyan, Bachi, Nding, Rakok and neighbouring villages have witnessed repeated attacks resulting in deaths, destruction of homes and fresh displacement. Some communities have also been taken over by these bandits. One of the latest attacks reportedly claimed the lives of a three-month-old baby alongside several other residents. Earlier attacks also claimed the lives of women, children and farmers returning from their farms.

Barnabas Mathew, a youth leader in Riyom, said residents remain determined to return to their ancestral communities but insisted that security must first be guaranteed. “We have been sacked from our ancestral communities, but we still want to return home. Government must ensure adequate security. Our appeal is for security operatives to go after those occupying our communities so our people can safely return,” he said.

He commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for initiating plans to resettle displaced persons, saying the effort had restored hope to many victims. “We appreciate Governor Mutfwang’s commitment to returning displaced people to their ancestral homes. It is encouraging, but lasting peace will only come when those behind these attacks are flushed out completely.”

Another community leader, Danlami Pam, also appealed for sustained military operations across vulnerable communities. “Our people have suffered enough. We are pleading with security agencies to pursue those responsible wherever they are hiding. Once security is guaranteed, our people are ready to return and rebuild their communities.”

Residents insist that while humanitarian support has helped many displaced families survive, nothing compares to returning to their ancestral homes. They described displacement as a painful experience that has separated families, disrupted farming and deprived children of stable education.

If any local government area symbolises the devastating human cost of Plateau’s insecurity, it is Bokkos. Once known for its thriving farming communities, the area has, over the years, witnessed repeated attacks that have left entire villages deserted, hundreds of families displaced and livelihoods destroyed.

Communities including Hurti, Manguna, Daffo, Ruwi, Mbar, Tangur, Butura Kampani, Sha, Pyakmang, Darwat, Kopmur, Kawel, Mushere and Toff have all experienced varying degrees of violence, forcing thousands of residents to flee. Community leaders estimate that at least nine to 10 villages in Mushere District alone have been largely emptied following repeated attacks, leaving between 15,000 and 19,000 residents displaced.

The humanitarian situation remains dire as many families continue to depend on assistance from government, churches, humanitarian organisations and kind-hearted individuals.

The killing of the Saf Ron-Kulere of Bokkos, Late Lazarus Agaie, about a decade ago further underscored the deteriorating security situation in the area. The first-class traditional ruler was ambushed and killed by gunmen while returning from his farm in Sha District, an incident that shocked the state and renewed calls for stronger protection for traditional institutions.

Several district heads, village heads and community leaders have also lost their lives in separate attacks over the years, leaving many communities without experienced leadership at a time they need it most.

A clergyman, Mr. Henry Godfrey, said the people of Bokkos have endured enormous pain but remain hopeful that peace will return. “We have witnessed communities being completely wiped out. Families have been scattered while thousands now live in makeshift camps. What our people desire is not revenge but peace, justice and the opportunity to return home.”

He lauded Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s determination to facilitate the return of displaced persons to their ancestral communities, describing the initiative as a major step towards restoring hope.

According to him, rebuilding destroyed houses must go hand-in-hand with restoring security if displaced families are to return permanently.

Bassa: Farmers abandon ancestral lands

Bassa Local Government Area has also recorded repeated attacks over the years. Communities around Miango, Zike in Kwall District, Kimakpa, Kpachudu, Hwrra, Ta’agbe, Jebbu Miango, Ancha and Kperie have all suffered varying degrees of violence.

Residents say fear has forced many farmers to abandon thousands of hectares of fertile agricultural land. For many households, farming was the only source of livelihood. Today, many displaced families depend almost entirely on humanitarian assistance and support from relatives.

Community leaders warned that continued displacement could worsen food insecurity across Plateau State because many of the affected communities were major producers of maize, potatoes, vegetables and other food crops.

Mangu and neighbouring communities

Communities in Mangu Local Government Area have also experienced repeated attacks affecting settlements around Mangu Halle, Kombun, Fungzai, Chanso, Tyop, Sabon Gari and communities around the Panyam axis.

Residents say attacks have displaced many families and placed enormous pressure on neighbouring communities receiving displaced persons. Many schools, health centres and places of worship have equally been affected by the insecurity.

The state government has since directed that a comprehensive census be conducted in vulnerable communities as part of efforts to identify legitimate residents, prevent illegal occupation of abandoned settlements and prepare for future resettlement.

Kanam and Qua’an Pan

Communities in Kanam and Qua’an Pan Local Government Areas have also experienced attacks, kidnappings and killings. Residents say they now depend heavily on security patrols, the military and local vigilante groups to protect their communities.

The killing of about 20 security personnel and vigilantes during an ambush in Garga area of Kanam further demonstrated the enormous risks faced by those protecting rural communities. Many residents insist that although security agencies have continued operations, more sustained action is needed to restore confidence among displaced families.

The growing education crisis

Beyond the destruction of homes and farmlands, insecurity is gradually undermining education across many rural communities. In Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas particularly, repeated attacks have disrupted academic activities and forced temporary closure of several schools.

Communities such as Shonong, Lwa, Fang, Bangai, Tanjol, Darwat, Daku-Jol and Hei-Gwe Kwi have all experienced disruptions affecting both primary and secondary schools.

Similarly, Government Secondary School, Sho, Government Secondary School, Ropp and Dogo Primary School have all experienced interruptions resulting from insecurity. Parents say attacks or even rumours of attacks are enough to keep children and teachers away from school.

Jennifer Dung, a parent from Riyom, said maintaining a stable academic calendar has become almost impossible. “Lessons are postponed, examinations rescheduled and children are constantly interrupted. Many of them now associate school with fear because they never know when another attack may occur,” she said.

Danlami Pam, another resident, said prolonged school closures have left many children academically behind their counterparts in safer communities. According to him, some pupils now spend weeks out of school whenever attacks occur.

Rwang Tenglong, spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders, said meaningful educational development cannot take place where insecurity persists. “If our people are not secure, education cannot thrive. Government must first secure lives before children can concentrate on learning,” he said.

Parents who can afford it have relocated to safer communities. Mrs. Kachllom Danlami, who moved from Ropp to Heipang with her family, said the decision was painful but necessary. “Because of the insecurity, I relocated. My child now attends school in Heipang without constant fear. Every parent wants that kind of peace.”

For thousands of other displaced families, however, relocation remains financially impossible. They continue to hope that improved security will enable their children to return to schools within their ancestral communities.

The human cost

Beyond casualty figures lies an even greater tragedy. Thousands of children have had their education disrupted. Farmers have lost access to fertile lands. Women have lost husbands. Children have become orphans. Markets have collapsed. Healthcare facilities have either been destroyed or abandoned.

Traditional rulers have become targets, while vigilante operatives and security personnel continue to pay the ultimate price defending vulnerable communities.

Residents say rebuilding the Plateau will require far more than reconstructing houses. It will require rebuilding confidence, restoring livelihoods and ensuring that communities can once again live without fear.

Government’s response: Returning IDPs to ancestral communities

Recognising that military operations alone cannot solve the crisis, the Plateau State Government says it is pursuing a comprehensive strategy aimed at restoring displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has repeatedly stated that the ultimate goal of his administration is not simply to provide temporary relief in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps but to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified return of victims to their communities.

To actualise that vision, the government established a Resettlement Task Force chaired by retired Air Commodore Christopher Pam to develop a phased roadmap for returning displaced residents.

The administration also received reports from the Land Administration Committee and the Resettlement Task Force to address issues surrounding land ownership, illegal occupation and the rebuilding of affected communities.

As part of the initiative, the governor directed that a comprehensive census be conducted in vulnerable communities, particularly in parts of Mangu Local Government Area, to identify illegal occupants and prevent unauthorised settlements on lands abandoned by displaced residents.

According to the governor, the exercise will assist the government in restoring legitimate owners to their ancestral communities while strengthening security around vulnerable settlements.

The state government is also collaborating with the Federal Government, humanitarian organisations and development partners to mobilise resources for reconstruction and resettlement. Government said the programme includes the rebuilding of residential houses, schools, healthcare facilities and other critical infrastructure destroyed during attacks. The administration has equally strengthened collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other humanitarian agencies to support long-term recovery and community rebuilding.

Governor Mutfwang maintains that rebuilding communities, restoring livelihoods and guaranteeing security remain central to his administration’s peace agenda.

Communities affected

Across Plateau State, many communities have either been attacked, destroyed or largely deserted following years of recurring violence. Among the affected communities are: Bokkos Local Government Area: Hurti, Manguna, Daffo, Ruwi, Maiyanga, Mbar, Tangur, Butura Kampani, Sha, Pyakmang, Darwat, Kopmur, Kawel, Mushere and Toff.

Barkin Ladi Local Government Area: Gashish District communities, Heipang, Ropp, Dorowa Babuje, NTV, Kakuruk, Mazat, Lobiring, Fan, Tahoss, Marit and Dabwak.

Riyom Local Government Area: Jol, Rim, Dyan, Wereng, Bachi, Gako, Sopp, Attakar, Razat and Hoss.

Bassa Local Government Area: Zike in Kwall District, Kimakpa, Kpachudu, Hwrra, Ta’agbe, Miango axis communities, Jebbu Miango, Ancha and Kperie.

Mangu Local Government Area: Mangu Halle, Sabon Gari, Pushit, Kerang, Kombun, Fungzai, Chanso, Tyop and communities around the Panyam axis.

Other affected communities include Gero in Jos South Local Government Area, Rangarasa and Rantya in Jos South, Kwall District communities in Bassa, Nding Sesut community, Ngbra Zongo and Angwan Rukuba in Jos North.

Residents said many of these communities have witnessed mass killings, destruction of homes, churches and food stores, occupation or abandonment of farmlands, displacement of thousands of residents and prolonged humanitarian hardship.

A defining moment for Plateau

For many displaced families, the dream remains simple: to return home.

Across Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa, Mangu, Jos South, Kanam and Qua’an Pan, thousands of families continue to hope that one day they will return to rebuild their homes, cultivate their farms and restore the peaceful lives they once knew.

Mr Habila Rogo, a community leader in Bokkos who spoke to our correspondent said lasting peace will require sustained military operations, improved intelligence gathering, justice for victims, prosecution of perpetrators, reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure and expanded humanitarian support. He called on the federal government to tackle insecurity and ensure lasting peace in the state.

Yet amid the pain, many residents remain hopeful. They say Governor Mutfwang’s commitment to returning displaced persons to their ancestral homes has renewed optimism, but stress that the success of the initiative will ultimately depend on sustained security operations, strong federal support, effective reconstruction and the political will to ensure that every displaced Plateau citizen can once again call home, home.

Vanguard News