The fact that the attacks occurred without immediate intervention from the nearby military base has raised questions about the effectiveness of security measures in the area.
Gunmen attacked Zike and Kimakpa communities in Plateau State, killing 51 people despite their proximity to a military base. Residents expressed outrage over the lack of security intervention, with one telling The PUNCH: “Given the close proximity…it would be expected that security forces could respond quickly.” The attack follows similar violence in Bokkos two weeks prior that left 52 dead.
Lancaster Akpa, 49, lost nine relatives, including seven children: “Some attackers wore army camouflage…they could easily identify them as Fulani.” Jerry Muwa described miraculous survival as gunmen burned his son’s house with six children inside: “We buried their ashes…there were no bones or flesh.” Both victims demand justice for the coordinated attacks.
Defence Headquarters failed to respond to inquiries about the delayed response. With communities located just 5km from the 3 Division Headquarters, the attacks have raised serious questions about security effectiveness in the crisis-prone region as traumatized residents bury their loved ones.