Jos, Nigeria – Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State has described the ongoing violence across the region as a “sponsored genocide,” alleging that armed terrorists have taken over at least 64 communities in coordinated attacks that have displaced thousands and claimed more than 50 lives.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme on Tuesday, Muftwang expressed grave concern over what he called systematic and well-orchestrated attacks, particularly in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) and nearby regions.
“I can tell you in all honesty that I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists,” the governor stated. “The question is, who are the persons behind the organisers of this terrorism? This is what the security agencies must help us to unravel.”
The governor said the violence appears targeted and intentional, pointing to the seizure and renaming of communities in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom LGAs. According to him, displaced residents have been unable to return to their ancestral homes, while the bandits now occupy the lands.
“As I am talking to you, there are not less than 64 communities that have been taken over by bandits. They have been renamed, and people are now living on lands they forcefully took,” he revealed.
Plateau State, located in Nigeria’s North-Central region, has a long history of ethno-religious and communal conflicts, often involving disputes between farmers and herders. However, Governor Muftwang suggested the current wave of violence reflects a more insidious agenda.
“These are not random acts. This is a pattern — systematic and organized,” he said, noting the sophisticated nature of the attacks.
He called for unified and strategic action from security agencies, emphasizing that cooperation is essential to uncover the sources of sponsorship and bring the masterminds to justice.
“This is being sponsored from somewhere, and I am sure that in the coming days, the security agencies will work together — not at cross purposes but in unison — to bring out the requisite intelligence that will help us to put this matter behind us,” he said.
As calls for federal intervention grow louder, Muftwang’s statements have intensified pressure on national security agencies to act swiftly. Many Nigerians are urging the government to reclaim occupied territories and provide better protection for vulnerable communities.
The Federal Government has yet to formally respond to the governor’s claims, but public demand is building for immediate and transparent action to address the crisis.
