In the aftermath of deadly attacks that ravaged parts of Plateau State, communities in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs are slowly picking up the pieces and striving to rebuild their lives.

Over the past three weeks, brutal assaults on Mangor, Daffo, Ruwa, Hurti and Tadai in Bokkos, as well as Zikke in Bassa, have left a trail of devastation. Residents said more than 100 people were killed, while dozens of homes were set ablaze.

Shortly after the attacks, reports emerged of alleged cattle poisoning and killings in areas such as Tafi Gana junction in Bassa, Tanjol in Riyom, and Mangu in Mangu LGA, further escalating tensions between farming and herding communities.

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Following the tragic incidents, senior federal government officials, including the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, visited Plateau, where they reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice and restoring peace to the affected communities.

Daily Trust’s findings over the past week showed that despite the deep scars left by the violence, signs of resilience are beginning to emerge in the affected communities.

Farmers in Bokkos are returning to their fields, determined not to miss the crucial early farming season. Likewise, herders have resumed grazing their livestock nearby – a scene many find surprising given the recent bloodshed.

Daily Trust observed that while some farmers have resumed work on their farms, others, however, remained hesitant, especially those whose farmlands are far from their homes, citing ongoing security concerns.

Security forces, including personnel from Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and the Police Special Tactical Squad, have been deployed to stabilise the affected LGAs. However, residents say more reinforcements are needed to guarantee their safety.

Meanwhile, commercial life is gradually resuming. Major markets, including Bokkos Central Market and the Kwall and Miango markets in Bassa, have also started to regain momentum after being deserted in the wake of the attacks.

Farmers, herders resume trade in Bokkos central market

Following the violence, many village markets temporarily suspended operations. However, residents told Daily Trust that farmers and herders are now engaging in business once again.

Our correspondent who visited Bokkos Central Market at the weekend observed a sizable turnout from both communities, with many Fulani herders actively trading in the market, dominated by farmers.

Mahannan Matawal, a resident of Bokkos, said normalcy is slowly returning.

“I visited Hurti, one of the attacked communities, and found people back on their farms. Even Fulani herders have resumed trading in our market. They sell perishable goods and buy grains and other foodstuffs,” Matawal said.

In Daffo, another attacked community, Marandon Maren noted that although the community market reopened last Tuesday, the turnout was low as many residents had fled during the attacks.

“Business activities resumed, but fear still remains with the people. Some of us have returned to our farms, but those whose lands are far away remain cautious,” he said.

Musa Idris, a herder in Bokkos, confirmed the development. “We have started attending the markets again because many areas are now peaceful. We bring livestock and perishable goods to sell and buy food items for our households,” he said, adding that some areas remain inaccessible for herders due to lingering fears.

Fear lingers in Zikke community

While some communities are slowly recovering, fear persists in Zikke. Residents there are still afraid to return to their farms.

John Bulus, a farmer, said although the environment seems calm, the fear of attacks remains.

“We’ve stopped going to our farms. Just yesterday, two members of our community were ambushed. We need the government to provide adequate security before we can safely return to our livelihoods,” he said.

Bulus added that market activities have resumed slowly, but turnout remains poor. “At Miango market, there were few people, and even those from farming communities came cautiously,” he said.

Another resident, Joy Sunday, said, “People are scared to move far from their homes. Many are displaced, and our local market hasn’t fully reopened. We now rely on Kwall market for most of our needs.”

Joy expressed hope that peace would soon be fully restored, emphasising the critical role of government action in rebuilding trust and security.

Herding activities resume

Despite recent tensions, members of the herding community in Bassa said they have resumed grazing cattle, venturing even into areas close to Irigwe settlements.

Abdullahi Musa, a herder, said, “We are moving around with our cattle despite the challenges. Peace is gradually returning.” He also revealed that local Irigwe leaders had invited them for a community dialogue to foster peaceful coexistence.

“This meeting was organised by the Irigwe people themselves, not the government or security agencies,” he noted, expressing optimism that trust-building efforts would continue.

Communities stay vigilant at night

Although daily activities are resuming, residents remain extremely cautious, especially at night. Vigilantes in the affected communities stay alert, patrolling to deter potential threats.

Matawal said, “People are resuming their activities during the day but return home early. No one moves around at night. Youths are especially alert, sleeping with one eye open.”

Joy Sunday confirmed that the Zikke community relies heavily on vigilante patrols. “They’re always on the lookout. The trauma of the attacks is still fresh, and rumours of further threats keep people on edge,” she said.

Similarly, Maren from Daffo noted that after the attacks, “we barely sleep. We share the duty of night patrol among ourselves.”

GOC hosts stakeholders’ peace meeting

To address the security challenges, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, convened a crucial meeting with community leaders and stakeholders on Wednesday.

Acting PRO of the division, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the initiative focuses on dialogue and collaboration, aiming to rebuild trust between farming and herding communities.

During the meeting, the GOC engaged directly with leaders from Irigwe Chiefdom and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), discussing the recent attacks and ways to prevent further violence.

“By engaging directly with local leaders and addressing their concerns, the GOC hopes to tackle immediate security threats and lay the foundation for lasting peace,” Danja said.

Stakeholders are hopeful that these efforts, if sustained, will bring an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued the region for far too long.