Chief Yohana Margif, the Waziri Mushere and a prominent community leader in Plateau State, has raised alarm over the reported occupation of seven villages in the Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos Local Government Area by armed terrorists.
In a statement released on Friday, Margif expressed deep concern over the development, listing the affected villages as Hokk, Kaban, Kadim, Nawula, Dulu, Mbor, and Margif. He alleged that the communities had come under repeated attacks in the past three months, resulting in the deaths of several residents and the displacement of thousands.
“The Fulani militants who have taken over our villages are now building tents and grazing their cattle on our farmlands with impunity,” he claimed. “My people have been forced to live in the wilderness, especially during this critical farming season.”
Margif criticized the Plateau State government for downplaying the crisis, saying the governor’s recent assertion that no part of the state was under terrorist control contradicts the reality on the ground.
“These invaders, once referred to as unknown gunmen, are now openly occupying our lands and carrying weapons. Their presence is visible to all,” he stated.
A former gubernatorial candidate and Labour Party chieftain, Margif accused the government of abdicating its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property. He called on relevant authorities to direct security forces to reclaim the occupied villages and dislodge the terrorists hiding in nearby hills.
He also appealed for urgent humanitarian intervention for the displaced residents currently living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, emphasizing the need for food, shelter, and medical assistance.
“The state must act now to restore peace, protect our people, and ensure they return to their ancestral homes without fear,” he urged.
