A Northwest-based civil society organisation, the Human Rights and Grassroots Development Society (HRGDS), has strongly condemned the recent killing of at least 21 residents in Kawel Village, Mushere Kingdom, located in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the group described the attack as “gruesome, senseless, and deeply troubling,” noting that the victims were reportedly murdered in their sleep. The incident marks yet another episode in the recurring wave of violence that has continued to destabilise communities in the state.
The Northwest Coordinator of HRGDS, Hadjia Rukayya Abdulhafeez, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating that the persistent attacks have not only claimed innocent lives but have also eroded the peace and unity Plateau State was once known for.
“This latest assault is a painful reminder of the urgent need for proactive and effective security strategies to safeguard vulnerable communities,” she said.
The group extended condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Mushere Kingdom, and the Plateau State Government, while also praying for the recovery of those injured in the attack.
HRGDS further expressed concern over the timing of the incident, noting that it occurred just days after the killing of a traditional ruler in the same local government area an indication of escalating insecurity in the region.
The organisation called on security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, improve rapid response mechanisms, and ensure that perpetrators are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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It also urged the Federal Government, Plateau State authorities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society groups to work collaboratively in addressing the root causes of the violence.
The group emphasised the need for dialogue, reconciliation, and the rebuilding of trust among communities.
Residents were advised to reject violence, avoid reprisals, and refrain from hate speech or ethnic and religious profiling, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through justice, tolerance, and respect for human dignity.
“Nothing justifies the unlawful taking of human life. Terror in any form remains a threat to national unity and peaceful coexistence,” the statement added.
HRGDS concluded by calling for a united front against terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism across Nigeria, warning that continued bloodshed poses a grave threat to sustainable development.
“The time to end the bloodshed is now. Plateau must not continue to bleed,” the group declared.
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