A respected community leader in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Da Yohana Margif, has raised alarm over the alleged occupation of seven indigenous villages by armed Fulani militants.
Da Margif, who holds the traditional title of Waziri Mushere, revealed in a statement on Friday that the affected villages—Hokk, Kaban, Kadim, Nawula, Dulu, Mbor, and Margif—located in the Mushere Chiefdom, were forcefully seized following deadly attacks that left many natives dead and thousands displaced.
Fulani Militants Change Village Names, Occupy Land
According to Da Margif, these once-thriving communities have come under siege for over three months, with the Fulani militants allegedly changing the names of the villages, setting up tents, and letting their cattle graze freely on farmlands.
“They have built tents and are openly carrying guns around. They have practically and brazenly usurped our lands and livestock,” the Waziri lamented.
He added that while indigenous families now live in fear, many have been forced to seek shelter in Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) camps, or are “roaming the wilderness and living on rocks.”
Call for Urgent Government Intervention
The community leader urged the Nigerian government and security agencies to act swiftly and reclaim the ancestral lands from the alleged invaders, stressing that the identities of the attackers are known.
“Let the relevant authorities direct security agencies to go after them so that our people can return to their ancestral homes,” he pleaded.
Da Margif emphasized that this crisis comes during the farming season, a time crucial to the livelihood of many rural families in Plateau State. He warned that the displacement would lead to severe food insecurity and prolonged humanitarian suffering if not addressed.
Worsening Insecurity in Plateau State
This latest development adds to growing concerns about the deteriorating security situation in North-Central Nigeria, where repeated clashes between herders and farming communities have led to loss of lives, land, and property.
Despite government assurances, violent attacks and land occupation claims continue to escalate in rural areas of Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and Niger States.
