Violence in Plateau State: 25 Dead in Kawel Attack

On a recent night, gunmen attacked Kawel Village in Bokko Local Government Area, Plateau State, leading to the deaths of no fewer than 25 people. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence in Plateau State, which has seen a resurgence of communal attacks attributed to disputes over land ownership and demographic shifts.

The district head, Samuel Alaket, was killed in a related incident earlier this month, contributing to a grim toll of 250 deaths from violence in the region. Community leaders argue that the crisis has evolved beyond typical farmer-herder clashes, alleging systematic patterns of land occupation and displacement affecting 151 hamlets across various localities.

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) claims that the Fulani community is also a victim of violence. The attacks have disrupted local economies, particularly affecting farmers who are unable to access their lands, leading to rising food prices and threats to national food security.

The situation is exacerbated by weak law enforcement and ongoing ethnic and religious tensions.