“Wanton killings should not replace social order”: A call
for immediate intervention in the humanitarian crisis in
Plateau State
The Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS) strongly condemns the gruesome killings of
Plateau State indigenes. This call comes following the most gruesome attacks on lives and
properties that have rocked the state in recent times. The most recent attack occurred in the
early hours of Monday, 14th April 2025, where gunmen attacked the Zikke and Kimapa villages
in Bassa district, killing 51 persons. This attack occurred barely one week after the previous
attacks, which led to the death of 52 persons and the displacement of 1,820 others. The AGFCS
calls on the government to take immediate measures to stop these attacks.
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.
SIGNED:
Vision Spring Initiatives
Open Arms Initiative for Sustainable Development
Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI)
Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative
World Impact Development Foundation (WIDEF)
Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development FENRAD Nigeria
Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuiding
Partnership for Social and Environmental Development Initiative – P4SEDI
Accountability Lab Nigeria
Centre for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication (CCEPE)
TruORGANIC Initiative for Social & Communities Development
Dataphyte Foundation
Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative (REJA)
Elixir Trust Foundation
Virgin Heart Foundation
OGECHI & SAM IKEH FOUNDATION (OSAIF)
Rainbow Watch and Development Centre
Centre for Citizens with Disabilities
Spaces for Change|S4C
