Jos, Plateau State – February 27, 2026 – Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has convened an emergency State Security Council meeting at the Executive Council Chamber of the New Government House in Jos to address a surge in violent attacks that have claimed at least 30 lives across various communities in the past week.
The high-level session, chaired by the governor, brought together key federal and state security chiefs, including the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Eyitayo Oyinlola, and the newly deployed State Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah. Also in attendance were Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo, Secretary to the State Government Samuel Jatau, and other senior officials.
The meeting was prompted by escalating insecurity, including a fresh gun attack late Thursday night in the Nche Shwye Rishi community of Bassa Local Government Area, where gunmen stormed homes and killed five residents, including children, while injuring three others. The incident has heightened fear among locals and drawn sharp condemnation from community leaders.
A community leader in Bassa, Gata Moses, described the killings as "barbaric and senseless." He recounted how residents awoke to the tragic news: "We just woke up this morning to hear that some of our people were killed in the Nche Shwye Rishi community last night. When I checked, I discovered it was true. Five of them, including children, were in their houses when the attackers suddenly emerged from nowhere and killed them. This is senseless and barbaric."
Another resident, Nuhu Michael, voiced deep frustration over the persistent violence and perceived delays in response: "I don’t know why the terrorists are probing hard, yet the security agents fail to act. Is it only when they kill all community members in Plateau State that there will be a response?" Michael acknowledged Governor Mutfwang's prior directives to intensify operations, strengthen security in vulnerable areas, and apprehend perpetrators, but expressed hope that the ongoing council meeting would translate into concrete action. "I hope the security council meeting at Government House will yield the desired results because we cannot continue like this in Plateau."
Reports indicate the attacks form part of a broader wave of violence in recent weeks, involving coordinated raids on rural communities, reprisals, and incidents linked to ethno-religious tensions, farmer-herder clashes, and banditry. Earlier this month, attacks in areas like Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Dorowa Babuje claimed multiple lives, including incidents where gunmen targeted relaxation spots and mining sites, resulting in deaths and injuries. Security sources have noted patterns of armed groups operating in remote areas, often exploiting nighttime vulnerabilities despite ongoing military operations under Operation Enduring Peace.
Governor Mutfwang has repeatedly condemned such acts, assuring residents of sustained efforts to restore peace. Following previous incidents, he directed security agencies to launch manhunts, reinforce presence in affected zones, and provide medical support to victims. The current emergency meeting is expected to review developments over the past two weeks, including mining-related clashes in Wase Local Government Area and attacks on major roads, while strategizing enhanced countermeasures to prevent recurrence.
Plateau State, located in Nigeria's Middle Belt, has long grappled with cycles of violence often framed as conflicts between predominantly Christian farming communities and nomadic Muslim herders, compounded by criminal elements. The governor's administration has prioritized security collaborations, community dialogues, and infrastructure to address root causes, but residents continue to demand more proactive and visible interventions.
As the meeting progressed into the afternoon, no official outcomes had been announced, though expectations remain high for decisive directives, including increased patrols, intelligence sharing, and possible deployment of additional forces. Community leaders and residents have called for swift implementation to avert further bloodshed and restore confidence in state protection mechanisms.
The Plateau State Government has urged calm while emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding all citizens regardless of background. Further updates from the council are anticipated as security operations intensify in response to the latest crisis.
