136 PLATEAU COMMUNITIES OVERRUN BY ARMED GROUPS- STEFANOS FOUNDATION. (PHOTO).

 136 Plateau Communities Overrun by Armed Groups – Stefanos Foundation

A recent Stefanos Foundation report has revealed that 136 communities across five local government areas (LGAs) in Plateau State have been overrun by armed groups, with Barkin Ladi and Riyom identified as the most affected. These areas have been largely deserted, with evidence of occupation by unfamiliar groups following years of coordinated attacks.

During a three-day prayer conference in Miango, Bassa LGA, organized in collaboration with Flame International (UK), Stefanos Foundation’s Programme Coordinator, Mark Lipdo, warned that similar patterns of territorial occupation are spreading to other parts of Nigeria.

According to the foundation’s research, conducted between December 6 and 20, 2024, a spatial analysis of the northern and central senatorial zones of Plateau State revealed:

79 communities completely deserted

33 communities overrun and occupied by suspected Fulani groups

21 communities partially deserted

Three communities with a mix of locals and Fulani occupants

Findings also indicate that some churches have been converted into mosques in these areas. Bokkos LGA was noted as the only area where Fulanis and locals still coexist, despite previous attacks.

Additionally, volunteers from the South West reported increasing hostility and insecurity in Oyo and Ogun states, with an influx of external influences among the Fulani population. Reports also highlight the presence of HISBAH members, allegedly funded by Kano State, in various locations across the South West, including Iseyin, Oke Ogun, Ibadan, Osun, and Lagos.

During the conference, Flame International’s Team Lead, Janice Ransom, led prayers for the land, while other facilitators encouraged forgiveness, trauma healing, and reconciliation among survivors of violence in Plateau communities. Stefanos Foundation has pledged to extend its research to other affected regions across Nigeria.