By SpringNewsNG Media Limited

A brutal midnight assault by suspected armed militias has left more than 40 residents dead in Zike and Kimakpa villages, located in the Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State. The attack, which reportedly lasted over 90 minutes between 12:00 a.m. and 1:30 a.m., resulted in widespread destruction and left numerous families grieving.

The victims—mostly natives of the Irigwe ethnic group—were killed as assailants razed homes and indiscriminately opened fire on residents, according to a statement issued Monday night in Jos by Joseph Chudu Yonkpa, National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Youth Movement.

Yonkpa described the massacre as a continuation of targeted violence against the Irigwe people, listing 49 names of victims, ranging from young children to elderly citizens. Among them were:

• Musa Dako (64), Daniel Adams (27), Obadiah Usman (31), Zinas James (22), Monday Sareke (37), and Reuben Adamu (94).
• Entire families such as the Stephens, Johns, and Moses were devastated, with children as young as 3 and 4 years old among the casualties.

“This is genocide,” Yonkpa said, calling on the federal government to urgently intervene. He demanded the establishment of an independent investigation panel under the National Defense Headquarters to probe the killings and bring those responsible to justice.

The movement also urged emergency agencies including NEMA, PLASEMA, and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to provide urgent relief to displaced families and survivors.

Governor Responds with Emergency Security Meeting

In swift reaction to the attack, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mannaseh Mutfwang convened an expanded State Security Council meeting on Monday, April 14, in Jos.

Describing the massacre as the work of over 100 armed bandits, Governor Mutfwang reassured the public of renewed security strategies and called on citizens to support intelligence-gathering efforts.

“We have adopted critical measures to curb further violence. While some will be disclosed in the coming days, I assure Plateau citizens that their safety remains our top priority,” he said.

Governor Mutfwang also emphasized the importance of community cooperation, particularly from youth, whom he praised for maintaining calm after the incident. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with federal authorities and local stakeholders to ensure lasting peace in Plateau State.