A fact-finding committee set up by Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has confirmed devastating losses in the state between 2001 and 2025.
The committee revealed that over 12,000 lives have been lost and at least 450 communities across 13 Local Government Areas have been destroyed and left desolate due to persistent violence.
The 10-member panel, chaired by Maj. Gen. Nicholas Rogers (Rtd), conducted extensive investigations, engaging affected communities and security agencies to document the scope of the violence.
Findings showed that suspected Fulani militias and armed herders perpetrated coordinated attacks causing widespread destruction beyond loss of life, including:
- 35% destruction of livestock,
- 32.5% displacement of communities,
- 16.8% destruction of food supplies,
- 9.9% destruction of homes,
- 3.4% illegal land occupation.
These attacks have severely impacted the economic, commercial, social, psychological, and cultural life of the people.
The root causes were identified as criminal exploitation of natural resources, historical grievances, ethnic mistrust, and competition for land.
Governor Mutfwang assured that the report would be reviewed and forwarded to the Federal Government for urgent action.
He highlighted efforts like recruiting over 1,000 operatives into Operation Rainbow for security and emphasized peacebuilding alongside poverty reduction and infrastructure development as key priorities.