Seven Villages In Plateau Under Terrorist Occupation, Community Leader Alleges

Waziri Mushere and community leader, Chief Yohana Margif, has raised a dire alarm over the alleged occupation of seven villages in the Mushere community of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, by suspected terrorists.

Margif claims the inhabitants have been displaced from their ancestral homes following months of relentless attacks.

In a statement issued Friday, Margif listed the occupied villages as Hokk, Kaban, Kadim, Nawula, Dulu, Mbor, and Margif, all located within the Mushere Chiefdom.

Washere

He stated that these communities have been ravaged by terrorists, resulting in numerous deaths and the displacement of thousands who are now seeking refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

“For over three months now, the beleaguered communities have been under relentless terrorist attacks and siege, forcing them to flee their ancestral homes,” Margif stated.

He further alleged that “Fulani invaders” have taken over the villages, building tents and grazing their cattle on the displaced residents’ farms, seemingly with impunity.

Margif expressed shock and disbelief at Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s recent assertion that no part of Plateau State is under terrorist control, arguing that the reality on the ground paints a drastically different picture.

“I am still in a state of shock by the governor’s claim that no part of Plateau State is under the control of bandit terrorists,” Margif said.

“My people have been forced to live in the wilderness at this critical period of the year when they are supposed to be in their farms.”

He further stated, “The terrorists who were previously called unknown gunmen are now known, as they have now set up tents in our lands on which their cattle are grazing, which is visible for everybody to see.”

Margif, a Labour Party chieftain and former gubernatorial candidate, emphasized that the presence of armed individuals openly occupying land and erecting structures negates the claim that they are “unknown.”

He argues that the situation contradicts the governor’s pronouncements, with terrorists practically and brazenly usurping land and livestock.

“Enough is enough of this, government has abdicated its responsibility of protecting its citizens for too long,” Margif declared.

He called on the relevant authorities to direct security agencies to take immediate action to flush out the alleged terrorists from the seven occupied communities and their known sanctuaries in the surrounding hills, enabling the displaced residents to return to their homes.

Furthermore, Margif urged the Plateau State government to address the escalating humanitarian crisis by providing immediate relief and support to the distressed inhabitants currently residing in IDP camps.

He stressed that the people deserve protection, justice, and the right to live in their ancestral homes without fear.

The allegations made by Chief Margif are likely to raise significant concerns and further pressure on the Plateau State government to address the ongoing security challenges in the region.

The Governor’s office has yet to respond to these specific claims.