Plateau Killings: Land grabbing root of crisis – Former Military Administrator

A former Military Administrator of the old Plateau State, Rear Admiral Samuel Atukum (Retired), has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to adopt more stringent measures in tackling insecurity in Plateau State, alleging that the crisis is driven by deliberate land grabbing and economic sabotage.

Addressing journalists at his residence in Jos, Atukum claimed that perpetrators of recent attacks had publicly identified themselves during a press conference held in Kaduna, shortly after five Plateau communities were attacked by gunmen, leaving many dead, injured, and displaced.

“It’s clear who is behind this crisis. The individual who spoke at the press conference did so on behalf of the Fulani herdsmen. The government now has a clear starting point for its investigations. Freedom of speech should not be used to justify inciting statements made in the aftermath of mass killings.” He said

Atukum accused the attackers of seeking to wipe out indigenous Plateau communities through targeted violence. He rejected the commonly used narrative of herder-farmer clashes, insisting that the situation is far more sinister.

“How can it be called a clash when people are attacked in their sleep?. “When a farmer sees cows on his farm and speaks up, he’s immediately killed. This is not a clash—it is a campaign of terror.”

The retired naval officer also alleged that armed herders have established bases in the hills and mountains surrounding the communities, where they allegedly hide weapons used in the attacks. He called on security operatives to flush out these enclaves and for the government to officially declare the culprits as terrorists.

“These criminals descend from the hills to attack and then vanish back into hiding. Security operatives must go after them decisively. We cannot keep turning a blind eye while innocent citizens are slaughtered.” He said

He further condemned the illegal occupation of deserted villages by unknown persons, stating that those residing in such communities should be investigated as possible collaborators or direct perpetrators of the attacks.

“These people are not ghosts—the locals know them,” he stressed. “Our forces should move in and take control. This cannot be allowed to continue.”

Rear Admiral Atukum also advocated for the establishment of state policing, emphasizing that officers must be drawn from the communities they serve to ensure local knowledge and trust.

“The time has come for state policing, but we must ensure that those officers are indigenes of the state they’re protecting. That’s how you build real security,” he added.

Atukum’s remarks come amid growing calls for greater government action to stem the tide of violence in Plateau State and restore lasting peace to the region.