Civil society groups demand action, not assurances in ending Plateau killings
A coalition of civil society organisations, Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS) has demanded action in ending the wanton killings of villagers and displacement of communities in Plateau State.
In a statement signed by the coalition on Wednesday, strongly condemned the gruesome killings and destruction of properties.
The attacks in Plateau have recently escalated with the most recent attack occurring in the early hours of Monday, 14th April 2025, where gunmen attacked the Zikke and Kimapa villages in Bassa district, killing 51 persons.
According to the statement, the attack which occurred barely one week after the previous attacks which led to the death of 52 persons and the displacement of 1,820 others, was one too many.
The groups demand action from the government, not statements. “The AGFCS calls on the government to take immediate measures to stop these attacks, says in the statement sent to TheNiche.
“Section 14 (2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) states that the security of lives and property is the primary responsibility of the government. The gruesome killings of these local indigenes not only run contrary to this purpose but constitute a brazen violation of their fundamental rights to life and ownership of immovable property.
“Gunmen have become emboldened through the frequency of their attacks, amidst assurances from the state and federal governments, while innocent and powerless civilians bear the brunt of these vicious attacks. This simply means that words are not enough. Immediate measures must be taken to address these attacks head-on. The AGFCS – a coalition of civic society organizations, journalists and activists working collaboratively to safeguard Nigeria’s civic space – is deeply concerned that ongoing insecurity challenges will constrain or limit civic participation due to the fear of repeated attacks. Such wanton killings by non-state actors must not be allowed to derogate the existing democratic social order.
“Consequently, the AGFCS calls on the federal government to live up to its prerogative and decisively address this situation. Thorough investigation and adequate measures should be rolled out to apprehend the masterminds and perpetrators of these violent crimes, and ensure that repeated attacks do not occur, with adequate security being afforded to the district.
“As we commend the swift erection of humanitarian camps to assist the victims, we also call for swift intervention to ensure that these victims are resettled soon. The AGFCS stands in solidarity with the victims and all those affected by the violence in Plateau State. We join them in demanding immediate justice and saying no to more assurances, only actions.”
