3/27/2025 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) — The peaceful Irigwe community in Bassa County, Plateau state, has been rocked by two devastating attacks in less than 24 hours, claiming the lives of four individuals.
This latest wave of brutality shows the ongoing insecurity faced by Christian farming communities, increasingly targeted by Fulani militias in the region.
On the evening of March 23, a gruesome ambush unfolded as three men made their way home from Kwall. The victims have been identified as John Avia, 48; Sunday Vickson, 32; and Peter Vickson, 30.
The assault in Dundu village has plunged the community into mourning, stirring fears of more violence. Local leaders are calling on the government to take decisive steps against the attackers.
The Hon. Joshua Sunday Riti, MNES, PhD, executive chairman of Bassa County, condemned the attacks and appealed for unity among residents in the face of adversity.
“We must not allow violence to define us,” he said. “My administration is committed to partnering with security agencies and community leaders to ensure peace and safety for all residents.”
Riti disclosed ongoing discussions with military and police officials to deploy additional forces and establish a mobile police barracks nearby.
However, less than a day later, on March 24, the nightmare continued with another ambush. This time, Dumba Yohanna Monday, 33, was targeted and brutally killed near the military shooting range at Nzharuvo, while another individual narrowly escaped death.
In response to this escalating violence, the Irigwe Youth Movement (IYM) has vehemently denounced these targeted attacks, urging security forces to act swiftly to avert further bloodshed.
“The relentless killings of our people cannot be allowed to continue,” said Joseph Chudu Yonkpa, national publicity secretary of IYM. “We call on security agencies to intensify their patrols, apprehend those responsible, and protect our communities.”
These tragic incidents are but the latest in a long history of violence against the Irigwe people, a primarily Christian ethnic group that has endured systematic attacks over the years. Among them:
- August 2021: A coordinated assault on 12 villages left at least 70 people dead and more than 250 homes in ruins.
- July 2022: Eight family members were horrifically burned alive in Kpatenvie village.
- May 2023: Six farmers were killed in Nkiedoro village, recalling the horrific 2017 massacre of 29 Christian farmers at a primary school.
Despite numerous calls for action, residents express deep frustration over the government’s inadequate response, with minimal arrests and security measures failing to stem continued bloodshed.
A local elder, who chose to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, voiced the community’s anguish: “For years, we have pleaded for help,” he said. “How many more lives must be lost before the government takes meaningful action?”
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