Plateau State Killings and Government Response

Developing StoryLast updated JUN 13
SUMMARY

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang declared on June 13, 2026, that his administration will not negotiate with criminal elements terrorizing the state, following recent arrests that provided critical intelligence on criminal networks. This declaration comes as the Nigerian Army deployed additional personnel to Plateau State on June 11, 2026, and the Federal Government ordered an immediate probe into recent killings. As of June 13, 2026, at least eight people were killed and 10 injured in an attack on Gwon-Ajang village on June 2, with seven miners also killed in Kuru and two vigilantes in Ta-Hoss, bringing the total reported deaths to over 30 since May 2026. US Congressman Riley Moore has condemned attacks on Christians in Nigeria, referencing a Palm Sunday assault, while Human Rights Watch has criticized authorities for failing to bring perpetrators to justice.

Timeline

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June 2026 — 4 developments

  1. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has declared that his administration will not negotiate with criminal elements terrorizing the state.

    Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has declared that his administration will not negotiate with criminal elements terrorizing the state. This statement follows recent arrests that have provided critical intelligence on criminal networks responsible for attacks across Plateau.

  2. At least eight people were killed and 10 injured in an attack on Gwon-Ajang village on June 2, with seven miners also killed in Kuru and two vigilantes in Ta-Hoss.

    At least eight people were killed and 10 injured in an attack on Gwon-Ajang village on June 2, with seven miners also killed in Kuru and two vigilantes in Ta-Hoss. The Berom Youth Moulders Association has raised concerns about criminal gangs shifting activities to Riyom Local Government Area. US Congressman Riley Moore has condemned attacks on Christians in Nigeria, referencing a Palm Sunday assault.

  3. The Nigerian Army has deployed additional personnel to Plateau State to restore order and curb ongoing violence.

    The Nigerian Army has deployed additional personnel to Plateau State to restore order and curb ongoing violence. This deployment follows a series of attacks that have resulted in numerous civilian deaths and destruction of property.

  4. The Federal Government has ordered an immediate probe into recent killings in Plateau State, following reports of at least 10 deaths.

    The Federal Government has ordered an immediate probe into recent killings in Plateau State, following reports of at least 10 deaths. A 15-year-old herder was killed and 13 cattle were shot dead on June 7, 2026, in Sabon Gidan Kanar community. This follows an incident on June 1, 2026, where seven miners were killed.

May 2026 — 8 developments

  1. Gunmen attacked Gwon-Ajang village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on May 31, 2026, during a birthday celebration.

    Gunmen attacked Gwon-Ajang village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on May 31, 2026, during a birthday celebration. The Plateau State Police Command confirmed five deaths, while community sources alleged at least seven fatalities. The Berom Youth Moulders Association described the attackers as "armed terrorists" and expressed concern over the renewed violence.

  2. Seven local miners were killed on May 22, 2026, at a mining site in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State.

    Seven local miners were killed on May 22, 2026, at a mining site in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State. In response to escalating insecurity, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has banned night mining and grazing activities. Human Rights Watch has criticized Plateau State authorities for failing to bring perpetrators of serious crimes to justice.

  3. At least 30 people have been killed in a week-long series of attacks across Plateau State, Nigeria, as of May 2026.

    At least 30 people have been killed in a week-long series of attacks across Plateau State, Nigeria, as of May 2026. Specific incidents include the deaths of six people in Nding Susut village on May 5th, 13 in Ngbra Zongo village on May 8th, and at least seven in Barkin Ladi town on May 9th. Four more were killed in Kogot village on May 12th, highlighting persistent insecurity in the region.

  4. Gunmen attacked several communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on May 11, 2026, killing seven people, including a police officer.

    Gunmen attacked several communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on May 11, 2026, killing seven people, including a police officer. On May 13, 2026, eight Christians were killed and 11 wounded in Barkin Ladi town. Authorities have banned night mining and grazing operations to curb the ongoing violence.

  5. Three individuals were killed on May 9, 2026, in Gwa-Rim, Riyom Local Government Area, by suspected armed Fulani terrorists.

    Three individuals were killed on May 9, 2026, in Gwa-Rim, Riyom Local Government Area, by suspected armed Fulani terrorists. This incident follows a prior attack in Bassa Local Government Area where 11 people, including women and children, died.

  6. Nine people were killed in Zhe Brazongo village, Bassa Local Government Area, on May 8, 2026.

    Nine people were killed in Zhe Brazongo village, Bassa Local Government Area, on May 8, 2026. The Plateau State police command reported 12 fatalities in the Ngbra Zongo community on the same day, with victims buried in a mass grave.

  7. Recent violence in Plateau State, Nigeria, has resulted in multiple fatalities.

    Recent violence in Plateau State, Nigeria, has resulted in multiple fatalities. On May 3rd, three civilians were killed in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area by suspected Fulani armed elements. An attack on an illegal mining site in the same area on May 2nd resulted in four deaths and three injuries, with another attack on May 1st in Mangu Local Government Area also reported.

  8. Four people, including a pregnant woman, were killed and four others injured in an attack on a mining site in Mazat community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on May 1, 2026.

    Four people, including a pregnant woman, were killed and four others injured in an attack on a mining site in Mazat community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on May 1, 2026. This incident adds to a series of violent attacks in Plateau State.

April 2026 — 5 developments

  1. One miner was killed, two were injured, and one was abducted in an attack in Sabon Gari (Yilpo), Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, on April 30, 2026.

    One miner was killed, two were injured, and one was abducted in an attack in Sabon Gari (Yilpo), Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, on April 30, 2026. This incident adds to the ongoing violence targeting miners in the region.

  2. Seven illegal miners were killed in an attack on a mining site in the Capitex area of Kuru, Plateau State.

    Seven illegal miners were killed in an attack on a mining site in the Capitex area of Kuru, Plateau State. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Wednesday night and is believed to have been carried out by bandits. Troops recovered ten empty ammunition shells, and preliminary investigations suggest the assailants intended to seize illegally mined minerals.

  3. President Bola Tinubu visited Jos on April 11, 2026, to commiserate with victims of recent attacks in Plateau State.

    President Bola Tinubu visited Jos on April 11, 2026, to commiserate with victims of recent attacks in Plateau State. He assured that such incidents would not recur and promised the deployment of AI-enabled cameras to combat insecurity.

  4. Gunmen killed at least eight people in Mbwelle village on April 9, 2026, and seven miners the following morning in Kuru community, Plateau State.

    Gunmen killed at least eight people in Mbwelle village on April 9, 2026, and seven miners the following morning in Kuru community, Plateau State. These attacks add to a series of violent incidents in the region.

  5. The Plateau State Police Command has imposed a statewide ban on night grazing and night mining activ…

    The Plateau State Police Command has imposed a statewide ban on night grazing and night mining activities following recent deadly attacks, including the killing of three miners on April 3, 2026. Additional security teams have been deployed, and patrols increased across the state.

March 2026 — 2 developments

  1. The death toll from the March 29, 2026, attack in Angwan Rukuba, Plateau State, has risen to at leas…

    The death toll from the March 29, 2026, attack in Angwan Rukuba, Plateau State, has risen to at least 27, with initial reports indicating over 28 fatalities, including a pregnant woman. Eyewitnesses reported indiscriminate shootings by gunmen. Governor Caleb Mutfwang announced that the security situation has been brought under control.

  2. Seven miners were killed and three others injured in separate attacks on mining sites in Plateau State, Nigeria.

    Seven miners were killed and three others injured in separate attacks on mining sites in Plateau State, Nigeria. Incidents occurred in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area, and Wang community, Bokkos Local Government Area, while the victims were working. The Berom Youth Moulders-Association confirmed the attacks, condemning them as violations of human life and calling for investigations.

February 2026 — 6 developments

  1. Seven more victims of a recent attack in Plateau State, Nigeria, were buried in Bassa Local Government Area on February 26, 2026.

    Seven more victims of a recent attack in Plateau State, Nigeria, were buried in Bassa Local Government Area on February 26, 2026. The burial ceremony in Miango turned into a protest as community leaders decried the ongoing killings. Among the buried were a graduate and health officer, and five members of the same family who were shot dead in their homes.

  2. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered security agencies to intensify operations in Barki…

    Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered security agencies to intensify operations in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area following an attack on Ratatis community on February 22, 2026, which resulted in at least 10 deaths. Nine victims were laid to rest in a mass burial on February 24, 2026. Governor Mutfwang condemned the killings as "barbaric and senseless."

  3. Ten people were killed in coordinated night attacks on February 23, 2026, in Plateau State, Nigeria, targeting communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas.

    Ten people were killed in coordinated night attacks on February 23, 2026, in Plateau State, Nigeria, targeting communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas. The Berom Youth Moulders Association reported seven deaths and three injuries in Dorowa Babuje, while another report indicated nine deaths there and one in Jol. Separately, seven people were killed and two injured in a suspected reprisal attack by Fulani militias in Dorowa Babuje village on February 22, 2026.

  4. At least ten people were killed in coordinated night attacks on communities in Plateau State, Nigeria, heightening fears of renewed violence.

    At least ten people were killed in coordinated night attacks on communities in Plateau State, Nigeria, heightening fears of renewed violence. The assaults targeted Ratatis, Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi, and Jol in Riyom Local Government Areas on Sunday night. Initial reports indicated seven persons were killed, with later updates confirming nine deaths in Dorowa Babuje and one in Jol.

January 2026 — 11 developments

  2. The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the killing of seven miners and called for urgent government action to address the insecurity.

    The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the killing of seven miners and called for urgent government action to address the insecurity.

  3. Seven people, aged between 15 and 28, were shot dead in an overnight attack at a mining site in Nigeria's central Plateau state on January 23, 2026.

    Seven people, aged between 15 and 28, were shot dead in an overnight attack at a mining site in Nigeria's central Plateau state on January 23, 2026. Military task force troops found seven bodies and spent cartridges at the scene. This incident is part of a pattern of coordinated attacks on communities in Plateau State.

  4. The deadly attack on miners is reported to fuel existing ethno-religious tensions in Nigeria's Middl…

    The deadly attack on miners is reported to fuel existing ethno-religious tensions in Nigeria's Middle Belt region, placing the incident within a broader pattern of conflicts between Muslim herders and Christian communities.

  5. Seven miners were reportedly killed in Jos South in retaliation for the theft of 102 livestock.

    Seven miners were reportedly killed in Jos South in retaliation for the theft of 102 livestock. This incident is part of a pattern of attacks and counter-attacks between communities in Plateau State.

  6. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed outrage over the attacks, describing them as 'cruel and unacceptable.

    Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed outrage over the attacks, describing them as 'cruel and unacceptable.' He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and directed security agencies to scale up intelligence-driven operations to identify, track, and arrest those responsible, emphasizing the need for swift investigation and prosecution.

  7. Seven miners were killed on Thursday morning, January 22, 2026, when gunmen attacked a mining site in the Kuru community of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State.

    Seven miners were killed on Thursday morning, January 22, 2026, when gunmen attacked a mining site in the Kuru community of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State. Community members reported that the assailants arrived and began shooting indiscriminately. Security personnel recovered ammunition at the scene, and preliminary investigations are ongoing.

  8. Troops of Operation Safe Haven were alerted and mobilized to the tin mining site in Kuru community following the attack.

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven were alerted and mobilized to the tin mining site in Kuru community following the attack. This immediate security response was not previously reported.

  9. The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) condemned the killings, identifying the seven victims by name and describing the attack as a 'brutal assault on innocent lives.

    The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) condemned the killings, identifying the seven victims by name and describing the attack as a 'brutal assault on innocent lives.' The association attributed the attack to 'armed Fulani terrorist elements' and called for a decisive security response.

  11. The Nigerian Army's Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), also referred to as Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), confirmed the recovery of seven bodies and 10 empty 7.

    The Nigerian Army's Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), also referred to as Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), confirmed the recovery of seven bodies and 10 empty 7.62mm ammunition shells from the scene. Security sources noted the victims were at the site despite a state ban on night and illegal mining activities.

December 2025 — 2 developments

  1. The remains of 12 miners, killed in a suspected bandit attack in Plateau State, have been buried.

    The remains of 12 miners, killed in a suspected bandit attack in Plateau State, have been buried. The victims were reportedly attacked and killed while working at a mining site in Fan Community. This incident is part of ongoing violence in the region.

  2. Gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias stormed a mining site in Ratoso Fan District, Barkin Ladi Loc…

    Gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias stormed a mining site in Ratoso Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Tuesday night, killing 12 miners and abducting three. Separately, seven people were killed in a night attack on an illegal mining site at Capitex, Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area, on Thursday morning. Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned these attacks as barbaric and senseless.