Stefanos Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to human rights and peace-building, recently released a report unveiling disturbing statistics. In the period between January and April 2023, the organization documented 217 instances of attacks originating from 34 states in Nigeria.
These attacks resulted in a devastating toll, with 1,872 fatalities, 714 abductions, and 65 injuries.
The report serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for immediate action to address the underlying causes of this violence.
Simultaneously, the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) located in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State has urgently called for intervention to curb the ongoing violence in their communities. The MDA suspects that the root of these conflicts may be connected to deep economic interests.
During a joint press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, representatives from both organizations emphasized the severe impact of the violence and stressed the urgency for the government to tackle the fundamental reasons behind it.
Fatima Njoku, the Advocacy Manager at Stefanos Foundation, expressed deep concern over the alarming surge in violence across the nation, especially considering that Nigeria is not currently at war.
She strongly condemned the situation where defenseless individuals are attacked in the dead of night, ruthlessly killed by guns and machetes, their homes burnt, and their possessions looted, resulting in entire communities being displaced. Njoku further criticized the lack of apprehension and prosecution of the assailants.
Based on eyewitness accounts and testimonials from direct victims, the attacks consistently follow a similar pattern. The perpetrators dress alike, and the victims share common characteristics.
These attacks have occurred in various regions, including Agatu, Guma, and Logo in Benue State, Kagoro, Zangon Kataf, Kajuru, Kafanchan in southern Kaduna, Bassa, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and now Mangu in Plateau State, among others.
According to Stefanos Foundation’s records, between January and April 2023 alone, they have documented 217 instances of attacks from 34 states across the country. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of 1,872 people, 714 abductions, and 65 injuries.
The organization finds these numbers deeply alarming, especially considering that Nigeria is not engaged in warfare.
Njoku emphasized the urgent need for action in this area, stating that the current administration has inherited a state of security crisis, with the protection of lives and property, the primary duty of any government, being at its lowest point in Nigeria’s history.
She implored the government to take immediate action.
Chief Joseph Gwankat, the National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, echoed the urgency for intervention.
Gwankat emphasized that the return of the affected communities to their ancestral homes is non-negotiable. If the situation remains unaddressed, hunger and poverty will plague the land, particularly considering the current economic climate.
Gwankat highlighted that Mangu Local Government Area alone accounts for 40% of the agricultural produce in Plateau State, and the ongoing violence poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of the residents.
The community leader asserted that their people have never abandoned their ancestral lands to pursue any perceived enemies who seek to harm them.
Instead, enemies of the state have organized themselves at regional, national, and sub-national levels to carry out these attacks.
The Mwaghavul Development Association strongly recommends the establishment of state policing in all states and communities across Nigeria, as well as the creation of special courts to adjudicate conflicts between communities.
Gwankat further noted the insufficient government presence or complete absence in the affected villages during these attacks.
Despite the government’s claims of adequate security personnel and surveillance, including the use of helicopters or fighter jets, no tangible evidence of their effectiveness has been observed.
Additionally, the presence and support of the National Emergency Management Agency or the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency have been lacking, even at present.
Gwankat expressed gratitude to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who, within his first four days in office, conducted a fact-finding visit to the Mangu Local Government Area and the displacement sites where people have been forced to relocate.