By Odita Sunday
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang to take decisive action to end the renewed attacks on communities in the state.
The rights group, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on Thursday, condemned the latest attacks on Gwa-Wereng Rim, Kyeng Village in Bachi District, Dorong and Jol communities.
HURIWA said at least two persons were killed, another seriously injured and several houses burnt in the fresh attacks, describing the development as a dangerous escalation requiring urgent intervention by the Federal Government.
The organisation identified the reported victims as Bulus Mwagwong, popularly known as Dikko, and 47-year-old Stephen Dachollom Kaze, while another victim, simply identified as Yakubu, was seriously injured.
According to the group, attackers opened fire on residents of Gwa-Wereng Rim at about 9:30pm, while houses were reportedly set ablaze during an attack in Dorong, forcing residents to flee.
It added that armed attackers also exchanged gunfire with local vigilantes in Jol Village, further heightening tension and fear among residents.
HURIWA criticised what it described as the repeated cycle of attacks, government condolences and promises of investigations without lasting solutions.
“Government cannot continue to count corpses. Nigerians cannot continue to wake up to reports of communities being invaded, residents killed and homes destroyed, only for government officials to issue condolences after the damage has been done,” the group said.
It urged the Federal Government to deploy adequate security personnel to vulnerable communities, strengthen intelligence gathering and establish effective early-warning mechanisms capable of preventing attacks.
HURIWA also demanded a transparent investigation into the latest incidents and the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
“Government must stop treating the killing of rural Nigerians as routine security incidents. Every victim has a family, a community and a future. The continued failure to prevent these attacks is unacceptable,” it said.
The rights group further called for urgent humanitarian assistance for displaced families, including temporary shelter, food, medical care and other essential support.
It urged the Plateau State Government and relevant federal agencies to ensure that affected communities are secured and made safe for residents to return, while demanding sustained security deployment rather than temporary reinforcement after attacks have occurred.
“We cannot continue with the familiar cycle of attack, killing, condemnation, promises of investigation and eventual silence. That cycle must end,” HURIWA declared.
The group called on President Tinubu to personally direct security and intelligence agencies to develop a coordinated strategy for protecting vulnerable communities in Plateau and other conflict-prone areas.
It also urged Governor Mutfwang to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders and security agencies to improve local intelligence and community protection mechanisms.
HURIWA commiserated with families of those killed and urged authorities to ensure that the injured receive adequate medical attention.
It warned that continued attacks without decisive consequences for perpetrators could embolden criminal elements and further erode public confidence in government.
“Plateau State cannot be allowed to become a theatre of perpetual bloodshed. Nigerians are tired of condolences. They want protection, justice and accountability.
“The President and the Governor must act now — not after the next community is attacked, not after more families bury their loved ones, but now,” the organisation said.
About the Author
