By Asile Abel, Jos
In a scathing condemnation, the Gongola Peoples Forum (GPF) has decried the latest wave of deadly attacks in Plateau State, allegedly perpetrated by suspected herdsmen, as a deliberate and sinister plot to ethnically cleanse the region’s indigenous populations.
Once celebrated as a tranquil haven with a temperate climate and breathtaking natural beauty, Plateau State has been marred by unrelenting violence over the past two decades, transforming it from a tourist paradise into a theater of tragedy.
We in GPF condemn in the strongest terms this wanton act by these killers
The most recent assault, which claimed nearly 100 lives—predominantly children, women, and the elderly—has cast a dark shadow over the state, underscoring what GPF describes as a “grime truth.” The group asserts that these attacks, suspected to be orchestrated by individuals of Fulani origin, are not mere clashes but a calculated campaign of conquest reminiscent of a bygone era when survival of the fittest reigned supreme.
“We in GPF condemn in the strongest terms this wanton act by these killers,” said Mr. Daniel Maliki, First Vice Chairman of GPF, in a signed statement. “It is not only brazen, horrific, and tragic but utterly unacceptable in any civilized society. These barbaric acts single out the perpetrators as perverts seeking to revive a forgotten path of domination.”
The GPF has also taken aim at what it calls a conspiracy of silence and misrepresentation surrounding the violence. The group rejects the oft-used framing of “farmer/herder clashes,” arguing that it shields the aggressors and falsely implies mutual culpability. Furthermore, it has criticized the Arewa Consultative Forum for its apparent reluctance to address the killings, accusing its leaders of prioritizing regional interests over justice and fairness.
The Forum also slammed the federal government’s response as inadequate, warning that such “lip service” risks emboldening the attackers.
In a particularly pointed rebuke, GPF called out a recent statement attributed to the Sultan of Sokoto, who reportedly labeled social media—the primary outlet exposing these atrocities—as a “terrorist organization.” The group views this as a calculated move to suppress the truth and shield the herdsmen, whom they claim fall under the Sultan’s influence.
We see the scenario unfolding in Plateau and elsewhere as a declared war that the rest of us are not yet willing to accept as reality
Amid the condemnation, GPF praised General T.Y. Danjuma for his outspoken advocacy of self-defense as the only viable recourse for victims. “We see the scenario unfolding in Plateau and elsewhere as a declared war that the rest of us are not yet willing to accept as reality,” Maliki stated.
The group also lauded the resilience of Plateau’s people and urged the federal government, which controls the military and police, to take decisive action to halt the bloodshed.
Extending its condolences, GPF expressed solidarity with the families of victims in the two devastated communities, as well as with Governor Caleb Muftwang and the Middle Belt Forum. “We are overwhelmed by the loss and wish this never happens again,” Maliki added.
We are overwhelmed by the loss and wish this never happens again
The statement concluded with a clarion call for justice, accountability, and an end to the violence that continues to ravage one of Nigeria’s most storied regions.
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