Shettima's visit follows weeks of bloodshed in Plateau amid calls for stronger security response.
Abuja , Nigeria — Vice President Kashim Shettima is scheduled to visit Plateau State on Monday, following a surge of brutal attacks in Bokkos and Bassa communities that have claimed dozens of lives in recent weeks.
The announcement was made by Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, during a tour of the affected areas alongside Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, on Saturday.
Vice President to Engage Stakeholders in Plateau
“My heart is with the people of Plateau, and so is Mr. President’s. His concern runs deep. That’s why he sent not just me but also the Defence Minister. The Vice President himself will be here on Monday to meet with stakeholders and seek lasting solutions,” Yilwatda said.
The Defence Minister, flanked by top military officers including Major General Folusho Oyinlola of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to justice and security.
Federal Government Promises Justice and Humanitarian Support
“President Tinubu has directed that all perpetrators of these heinous acts be found and prosecuted. Investigations are ongoing, and the security agencies will not rest until justice is served,” Badaru stated.
He added that immediate humanitarian support was being rolled out and that a comprehensive welfare plan targeting widows and victims of the violence was underway.
In recent weeks, communities in Bokkos, Bassa, and neighboring areas have witnessed coordinated attacks by unidentified gunmen, leading to massive displacement, destruction of homes, and widespread grief.
Meanwhile, the Plateau Youth Council (PYC), Northern Zone, has condemned the renewed violence, describing it as an orchestrated campaign of genocide rather than random communal unrest. The group expressed outrage over the perceived inaction and downplaying of the crisis by federal authorities.
Speaking at a press conference in Jos, PYC Northern Zone Coordinator Comrade Samson Chiroma said the attacks’ timing—coinciding with the start of the wet farming season—suggested a calculated effort to disrupt the livelihoods of rural communities.
“These are not communal clashes. These are targeted, systematic killings meant to drive our people from their lands and create economic paralysis. The government’s refusal to acknowledge this as genocide is unacceptable,” Chiroma said.
He accused armed Fulani militias of orchestrating the violence and denounced the lack of arrests or proactive government action.
Chiroma lauded Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his recent statewide address, which he said reflected the pain and reality faced by Plateau residents.
“The governor spoke truth to power. His words represent the anguish of Plateau youths. We will pursue every legal avenue to demand justice and protection for our communities,” he added.
Youth Leader Alleges Ethnic Targeting Behind Attacks
The youth leader also pointed to previous inflammatory remarks by figures like Garba, suggesting that the violence shortly after such statements was no coincidence.
“If peace is to return to Plateau, those who incite violence must be held accountable. Otherwise, it signals that some individuals are above the law,” Chiroma warned.
He urged the state government to bolster Operation Rainbow, the community security initiative, through fresh recruitment and advanced equipment, adding that local security could make a significant difference if well-supported.
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Chiroma concluded with a strong message: “The patience of our people is thinning. If the violence continues and another attack happens, don’t blame the youths for whatever follows. We won’t stand by and watch our people be slaughtered anymore.”
