The Plateau State Government has condemned the Nigerian Army for failing to apprehend the killers of 27 farmers in Tahoss community, Riyom Local Government Area, despite soldiers being in close proximity during Monday’s attack.
State Information Commissioner Joyce Ramnap told Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Friday that a military checkpoint lies less than 200 meters from the scene of the killings. Yet, no suspects have been arrested or neutralized.
“The response we received was that none were captured or arrested. None of those killed were affected by any military intervention,” Ramnap said.
She emphasized that Tahoss is near an access road with military checkpoints, dismissing claims that the community’s remote location hindered timely help.
“We are not accusing the entire Army of complicity,” she said. “However, the governor has demanded further investigation and action. If troops engaged the attackers so closely, there should be leads on where they fled and efforts to detain them.”
Ramnap described the attack as unprovoked and despicable, noting that assailants not only killed residents but also destroyed their crops.
Echoing Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s description of the violence as genocide during his visit to the community, Ramnap acknowledged the efforts of “gallant soldiers” committed to peace in Plateau but admitted that some personnel have failed in their duties.
“The attack came from three sides of the community. One side contained the attackers, but the side nearest the church, where many had sought refuge, suffered the worst casualties,” she said. “The pastor even fled, fearing for his life. Tragically, six people were killed at his home.”
Plateau State has experienced persistent violence for months. In April 2025, over 100 residents were brutally killed by marauders in Bokkos and Bassa local government areas, sparking national and international outrage. This followed the December 2023 massacre in Bokkos, where approximately 150 people lost their lives on Christmas Eve.
