Plateau: Where Peace is Murdered
Nigeria has seen numerous violent conflicts across its different states. Plateau State, unfortunately, has been one of the worst-hit areas, facing continuous attacks since the ethnoreligious crisis that began in 2001. Attacks by bandits, gunmen, terrorists, and clashes between farmers and herders have resulted in countless deaths, often making national and international headlines. The massacre on December 24, 2023, marked one of the darkest chapters in the state's history, with over 100 people killed and communities displaced in Barkin Ladi, Mangu, and Bokkos. The nature and scale of the attack have raised concerns about the repeated tragedies that have become all too common in the State. According to the Nextier Violent Conflict Database, violent conflict in Plateau State has witnessed an upward surge yearly with 2021, 2022 and 2023 recording 34, 77 and 94 incidents respectively.
In a Nextier Publication titled "Plateau: Where Peace is Murdered", scrutiny was made into the cynical violence rooted in ethnic and religious conflict that has occurred in the state. It also delves into the implications of endless conflicts and offers recommendations for tackling them. The violent attacks have exacerbated an already precarious humanitarian crisis. A report revealed that medical facilities are overwhelmed with casualties, followed by dire food shortages among the displaced population.
Condemnations have often followed the protracted killings in Plateau State. However, the scale and frequency of the violence require more concerted measures to arrest the free reign of bandits, gunmen and other violent actors that have taken root in the state. Amnesty International points to the fact that authorities in Nigeria "have been failing to end frequent deadly attacks on rural communities of Plateau State". Following the December 24th massacre, Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, like many others who visited the affected communities, emphasised the urgent need for a revamp of the country's security structure.
As the repeated attacks in Plateau State persist, there is a need for the Nigerian Security apparatus to put as much focus on proactive measures as reactive measures. There is also a need to refocus on local policing as a more cost-effective approach to bringing security closer to the people by improving the existing structures. In November 2023, the state’s Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, unveiled the state-owned security outfit known as Operation Rainbow. However, communities have continued to record monthly attacks, indicating a need for revision. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for comprehensive illegal arms mopping. The occurrences of attacks resulting in the wanton loss of life demonstrate that illegal firearms continue to be a major security concern.
The protracted violent conflict in Plateau state is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive and holistic approach to address its root causes and prevent its recurrence. Strengthening the state’s peacebuilding agency to facilitate dialogue, mediation, reconciliation and cooperation among the diverse communities in the state will help reduce violence and build trust among the conflicting parties. It is also important to address the underlying socio-economic and environmental factors contributing to the conflict, such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, marginalisation, and climate change, which create competition and grievances among the different groups.
