President Bola Tinubu has reiterated to the people of Plateau State that his administration is fully committed to stopping the ongoing violence and restoring enduring peace across affected communities.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at a political rally in Jos on Saturday, he said the government is deeply troubled by the recurring attacks and continuous loss of lives.
Akpabio emphasized the administration’s concern, stating that “your concerns are taken note of,” adding that the people of Plateau deserve peace and should not live in fear of losing their children. He noted that countless lives have been lost, homes destroyed, and many displaced, stressing the urgent need to end the bloodshed and bring stability back to the state.
This year, Plateau has remained one of the country’s most volatile areas, particularly in communities such as Bokkos and Bassa, where repeated attacks have resulted in numerous deaths. Protests have erupted in Jos, with groups describing the killings as “genocide” and demanding stronger federal intervention. Entire villages have been razed, property looted, and residents forced to flee.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang previously apologized to residents of Bassa LGA, acknowledging the failure of government and security agencies to protect lives and property. Meanwhile, the Federal Government and the African Union have urged caution in labeling the crisis as “genocide,” pointing instead to a complex mix of land disputes, criminal activities, and farmer–herder clashes.
Tensions escalated further after Donald Trump recently alleged that Christians were being exterminated and reportedly called for possible U.S. military involvement.
At the rally, major political shifts occurred as several influential figures defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on behalf of the defectors, former Mutfwang Campaign Organisation DG, Latep Dabang, said their move signaled a loss of confidence in the current state administration, assuring supporters that they would work to make Plateau fully APC.
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule encouraged more politicians to join the ruling party, while Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kanu promised the National Assembly’s support to the new members.
Among the high-profile defectors were the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate Patrick Dakum, retired Major General John Sura, former Senator Istifanus Gyang, and several other prominent figures from the PDP and Labour Party.
APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda described the mass defection as evidence of the party’s rising influence in the state, declaring that Plateau is now firmly under APC’s political direction. The event concluded with the presentation of party flags and symbolic brooms to the defectors amid cheers from supporters.