Now Reading: Kwankwaso Urges FG to Act Swiftly on Plateau Killings, Warns Against Rising Violence
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Kwankwaso Urges FG to Act Swiftly on Plateau Killings, Warns Against Rising Violence
Former Kano State Governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has called on the Federal Government to “rise up to its responsibility” in tackling the escalating insecurity in Plateau State, condemning the killing of 51 residents in Zikke community, Bassa LGA, on April 14, 2025.
In a statement issued on Monday, Kwankwaso described the attack as a “sad and unacceptable tragedy,” warning that Plateau must not be allowed to descend into a “hotbed of violence” after years of hard-won peace. The massacre, which also destroyed homes and livestock, came just weeks after over 50 people were killed in Bokkos LGA, highlighting a disturbing surge in deadly raids.
“I am saddened by the loss of 51 lives in Zikke, Kimakpa, Kwall district,” Kwankwaso said. “This follows over 50 deaths in five communities last week. The Federal Government must ensure all lives and properties are protected.” He urged authorities to pursue the perpetrators—suspected to be armed herdsmen—and implement robust measures to prevent further bloodshed.
Kwankwaso’s remarks echo growing frustration over recurring attacks in Plateau, with local leaders alleging that gunmen operate from known enclaves. The former presidential candidate stressed the need for a unified message of peace, calling on all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue over violence.
The Federal Government has yet to respond directly to Kwankwaso’s appeal, though President Bola Tinubu previously ordered security agencies to hunt down those responsible for the Bokkos killings. Analysts note that Plateau’s violence, often tied to land disputes and ethnic tensions, demands coordinated federal and state action. As Zikke buries its dead, Kwankwaso’s plea underscores the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s broader security crisis, with 2025 seeing over 1,200 deaths nationwide from similar attacks, per security reports.
