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Unchecked Killings Deepen Tensions in Bokkos, Plateau State
Unchecked Killings Deepen Tensions in Bokkos, Plateau State
By: Zagazola Makama
A disturbing pattern of targeted killings against members of the Fulani community in Bokkos and neighbouring parts of Plateau State is deepening distrust, inflaming ethnic tensions, and sustaining a cycle of deadly reprisals that security agencies appear unwilling or unable to break.
Recent incidents reveal an alarming consistency: no Fulani man or woman can pass through certain villages in Bokkos without facing attack, community leaders say. To many in these areas, every Fulani is presumed a terrorist, a dangerous stereotype that has led to repeated bloodshed and a collapse of trust between communities.
On Monday, another attack was reported in Barr community, Bokkos LGA, where two herders and nearly ten cows were killed. As with most incidents of this kind, no arrests have been made, and there has been no condemnation from Plateau State authorities.
On July 10, 2025, Usman Maguna, a Fulani man from Bokkos LGA, was reportedly attacked and killed while passing through Jebbu. Two days later, on July 12, a respected cleric, Malam Haruna Bangai, and his wife from Barkin Ladi were also killed in the same community.
According to Fulani leaders, a formal complaint was lodged to the police “They told us there was nothing they could do,” one community elder said. “When people are told this repeatedly, frustration builds and reprisals happen.”
Critics say the Plateau State Government, traditional rulers, and local media operate under a dangerous double standard: attacks on Fulani are ignored or downplayed, while reprisals are loudly condemned and labelled as terrorism.
Victims say the governor has never visited Fulani families after such killings, never paid compensation, and never openly condemned the violence allegedly to avoid being branded a “sellout” by his political base.
More troubling are claims that perpetrators arrested for killing Fulani are routinely released under political pressure. In one recent case, the governor was reportedly heard on television instructing security agencies to release suspects caught in acts of violence.
Authorities’ failures, selective justice, and political inaction are creating the perfect conditions for retaliation. Once an attack occurs, reprisals follow, leading to fresh casualties and further entrenching hostility.
When members of the Fulani community speak out about these attacks, they are often met with anger, and public debate quickly devolves into arguments over which side has lost more lives, a framing that obscures the real issue.
“This is not about comparing death tolls,” said a Fulani elder in Bokkos. “It’s about the state’s refusal to act when innocent lives are taken. That refusal is what fuels the violence.”
The picture that emerges from Bokkos is one of systemic neglect, silent complicity, and a conflict that is perpetuated by the very institutions meant to prevent it. The absence of justice for one community all but guarantees revenge attacks, a grim cycle that, without decisive and impartial intervention, will continue to claim lives on both sides.
Until the conspiracy of silence is broken, Plateau State’s leaders will have to answer an uncomfortable question: how many more will die before justice is allowed to work for all?
Unchecked Killings Deepen Tensions in Bokkos, Plateau State
Bandits ambush C-Watch operatives in Katsina, kill 8, burn patrol vehicles
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected bandits have ambushed operatives of the C-Watch security outfit in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing eight persons and setting two patrol vehicles ablaze.
The incident happened late Friday night when gunmen invaded a village near Dandume around midnight.
Residents said C-Watch operatives responded to a distress call and rescued eight villagers who had earlier sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
However, on their way back, the operatives reportedly ran into an ambush by the bandits, who opened fire on them, killing the rescued victims and burning two patrol vehicles belonging to the security outfit.
Bandits ambush C-Watch operatives in Katsina, kill 8, burn patrol vehicles
Troops barbecued scores of bandits in Kankara, Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have eliminated scores bandits in ongoing clearance operations in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Zagazola learnt that the operations, which began on Friday, targeted multiple bandit hideouts in the area.
The sources said the troops, supported by other security components, engaged the criminals in sustained firepower, leading to the neutralisation of an undisclosed number of them.
“The operations are still ongoing, with troops pursuing fleeing bandits into the forest corridors,” one of the sources said.
Military authorities are yet to issue an official statement as at press time.
Troops barbecued scores of bandits in Kankara, Katsina
Zulum Visits Families of 63 Borno Residents Killed by Boko Haram
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has visited Darajamal, a community in Bama, to condole with families of the 63 people killed by Boko Haram insurgents on Friday night.
The victims comprise 5 soldiers and about 58 civilians that were earlier displaced by the insurgents but have been resettled in Darajamal for two months now.
Zulum, visibly moved by the incident, met with community leaders and consoled the bereaved families. He expressed grief and condemned the brutal attack in the strongest terms.
Speaking to newsmen, the governor said, “We are here to commiserate with the people of Darajamal over what happened last night that has claimed the lives of many people. It is very sad. This community was settled a few months ago and they go about their normal activities, but unfortunately, they experienced Boko Haram attack last night. Our visit is to commiserate with them and build their resilience.”
On the casualties, the Governor said, “at this moment we have confirmed that 63 people lost their lives, both civilians and military, although the civilian casualties are more. Close to about 60 civilians and 5 soldiers lost their lives.”
Governor Zulum, while noting the challenges faced in the fight against insecurity, also called for the immediate deployment of the newly trained Forest Guards to complement the military in safeguarding vulnerable communities.
He said, “We have to take note that the numerical strength of the military is not enough to cover everywhere, so far so good, two sets of Forest Guards have been trained, therefore one of the solutions that we need to implement immediately is to deploy the trained Forest Guards to most of the locations that are vulnerable, they will protect the forest and communities.”
Also, the Senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan, whose constituency Darajamal falls under, has condemned the attack, describing it as a crime against humanity.
He expressed his commitment to supporting Governor Babagana Umara Zulum through legislative backing to restore peace in Borno State.
Zulum Visits Families of 63 Borno Residents Killed by Boko Haram
Bandits ambush C-Watch operatives in Katsina, kill 8, burn patrol vehicles
Troops barbecued scores of bandits in Kankara, Katsina
Zulum Visits Families of 63 Borno Residents Killed by Boko Haram
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