…As BCDC Vanguard urges residents to defend themselves
The Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) Vanguard has issued an urgent call for local residents to take proactive steps in defending themselves, following a series of deadly terrorist attacks that have claimed over 20 lives in the past week.
In a press statement signed by Farmasum Fuddang, chairman BCDC on behalf of nine others and made available to Journalists Friday in Jos, the group condemned the actions of the assailants, believed to be Fulani militants, who have launched multiple assaults on five villages in the Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA).
According to the group, the bloodshed reached a peak on April 2, when more than 10 people were killed in a coordinated attack across several communities, including Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai.
“In just one week, we have lost over 20 community members due to these marauding terrorists, who are engaged in an ongoing ethnic and religious cleansing of five villages. On April 2 alone, they killed over 10 people.
“Survivors reported that the attackers, speaking the Fulani dialect, launched a brazen assault in broad daylight around noon in Mangor Tamiso, then moved to Daffo, Manguna (Tagai), and invaded Hurti and Tadai”.
The BCDC Vanguard thanked the Nigerian military and police for their swift response, which helped prevent further casualties but emphasized that the logistical limitations of these forces necessitate a more proactive approach from the community.
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The Vanguard urged all Bokkos indigenes to heed the advice of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who recently called for greater self-defense efforts among the local population.
“All thanks to the Nigerian military and police for their swift response to distress calls, which helped minimize casualties. However, given the logistical and manpower challenges faced by these institutions, we urge all Bokkos indigenes to heed Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s advice to protect themselves. If residents were prepared to defend their communities, these terrorists would not be able to carry out attacks with such impunity”.
In response to the worsening security situation, the BCDC Vanguard also called on the Nigerian government to reconsider the suspension of gun licenses that was enacted under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The group urged residents to join registered volunteer security groups, such as the Hunters and Forest Security Guard Services, to ensure their safety while avoiding harassment by security forces. They emphasised that local vigilance and preparation are critical to preventing further attacks and protecting the people of Bokkos.
The BCDC Vanguard condoled with the victims of the recent attacks and called for immediate relief efforts. The group urged international bodies, including the United Nations, the United States, and the African Union, to apply pressure on the Nigerian government to take more decisive action to protect religious minorities and end the ongoing violence.
They further stressed the importance of deploying additional security forces, including the newly introduced agro rangers, as the farming season approaches.
Alfred Alabo, the police public relations officer for the Plateau State Command was unavailable for comment as his phone line was not reachable at the time of filing this report.
