By Lawrence Zongo, Plateau
A mournful wave of violence has once again cast a dark shadow over the Plateau village of Dundu, located in the Irigwe community of Bassa Local Government Area (LGA). On the evening of March 23, 2025, armed assailants launched a brutal attack, resulting in the tragic deaths of three young men.
This heartbreaking incident starkly highlights the ongoing insecurity plaguing the Irigwe people, who have suffered for years at the hands of Fulani militant groups hell-bent on displacing indigenous Christian farmers from their ancestral lands.
The victims have been identified as; Mr. John Avia, 48 years old,Sunday Vickson, 32 years old and Peter Vickson, 30 years old
These three men were ambushed while returning home from Kwall, a journey that ended in tragedy and plunged the entire community into mourning. The pain of their loss rings loudly, amplifying fears of further violence.
We must stand together against violence and not let it derail our efforts towards peace and coexistence in Bassa LGA.
In the wake of the attack, Hon. Joshua Sunday Riti, MNES, PhD, the Executive Chairman of Bassa LGA, has expressed his outrage and called for calm among residents. He emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation with security forces to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We must stand together against violence and not let it derail our efforts towards peace and coexistence in Bassa LGA. My administration is determined to work closely with security personnel, community leaders, and all citizens committed to fostering a safer environment for everyone,” Hon. Riti conveyed in a heartfelt statement.
This tragic episode, alongside the continuing violent incursions, highlights the urgent need for collective action
He also reassured the community of ongoing efforts to enhance security, including recent discussions with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3rd Armored Division and the Commander of Operation Safe Haven. Plans are reportedly in motion to establish a Police Mobile Barracks in the area to bolster the security presence and deter further assaults.
This latest attack is merely the latest chapter in a long history of violent incidents targeting the Irigwe people, a predominantly Christian ethnic group in Plateau State. The Fulani terrorist militia, often motivated by land-grabbing ambitions and religious extremism, has been responsible for a series of horrific massacres in Irigwe territory over the years.
In a grim reminder of past violence, several devastating attacks have marred Irigwe Chiefdom:
– August 2021: A coordinated assault on 12 villages, including Ancha, Hukke, and Kpachudu, left at least 70 people dead and more than 250 homes in ruins.
– July 2022: Eight members of a single family were horrifically burned alive in Kpatenvie village.
– May 2023: Gunmen took the lives of six farmers in Nkiedoro village, echoing the tragic massacre of 29 Christian farmers in a primary school classroom back in 2015.
These relentless attacks have triggered a humanitarian crisis, forcing thousands of Irigwe people into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Miango, Kwall, and Jos, where they struggle to survive amid a lack of sufficient government support.
The Irigwe Youth Movement (IYM) has vocally condemned the recent attack, urging both state and federal authorities to take immediate action.
As we mourn our losses, we must also build resilience and advocate for our community’s future
“This tragic episode, alongside the continuing violent incursions, highlights the urgent need for collective action and solidarity within the Irigwe community,” stated Joseph Chudu Yonkpa, the National Publicity Secretary of IYM.
Local student and community leader John Yohana spoke passionately about the pain felt throughout the village.
“I extend my deepest condolences and solidarity to the families of Mr. John Avia, Sunday Vickson, and Peter Vickson. The ongoing violence against the Irigwe community is a call to action for our leaders to ensure the safety and welfare of all citizens. As we mourn our losses, we must also build resilience and advocate for our community’s future. May the victims rest in peace, and may their families find solace in this trying time,” Yohana expressed.
Despite the series of attacks, responses from the government have often been criticized as inadequate. Many residents feel that security forces are insufficiently proactive in preventing further bloodshed. Even with multiple peace agreements, the violence remains unabated, and there are few if any, significant arrests made in connection to these atrocities.
One local elder, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal, voiced the growing frustrations.
“We have pleaded for help for years. How many more must suffer and die before the government recognizes the seriousness of this situation? They always promise to act after an attack, yet the violence persists,” he lamented.
The lack of decisive government intervention has empowered attackers, who frequently return to the same villages, instilling terror among the residents.
As the violence escalates, calls grow louder for increased security deployments, the apprehension of known perpetrators, and improved intelligence gathering. Community leaders firmly believe that without a proactive approach, the Irigwe people will continue to endure relentless attacks and displacement.
The pressing need for safety is now more urgent than ever, as these haunting incidents underscore the demand for a united call to action.
