Quote from Alex bobby on July 17, 2025, 2:00 AM

Unknown Gunmen Kill at Least 20 in Central Nigeria Attack, Officials Confirm

At least 20 people were killed in a brutal attack on a village in central Nigeria this week, local authorities have confirmed. The assault, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in Tahoss village, situated in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, adds to a growing wave of violence that has shaken communities across central and northern Nigeria.

The gunmen, armed with both firearms and machetes, stormed the village, killing residents and setting houses ablaze, according to Sati Shuwa, a local official responsible for the area. Despite the presence of security forces, the assailants carried out the attack undeterred, inflicting widespread destruction and leaving a trail of trauma.

Gruesome Aftermath Sparks Outrage

Graphic videos and photographs circulated on social media in the aftermath of the attack, showing charred remains of homes and lifeless bodies, stark reminders of the horror that unfolded. While no group has yet claimed responsibility, the attack bears the hallmarks of the ongoing conflict between herders and farmers, which has plagued parts of Nigeria for years.

Dewan Gabriel, a member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, confirmed the death toll and described the situation as “alarming.” In a statement, he said: “The rising attacks in Riyom Local Government Area have become alarming, creating a state of fear and insecurity that must be addressed urgently.”

Gabriel acknowledged the efforts of both the government and security forces in responding to the crisis but called for a rethink in security strategies. “We need new tactics and a more robust approach to counter these repeated acts of violence,” he urged.

A Pattern of Violence

While the exact motives behind Tuesday's attack remain unclear, Plateau State has long been a flashpoint for violence rooted in competition over land and natural resources. In much of Nigeria’s north and central regions, tensions between nomadic herders, who mostly belong to the Fulani ethnic group, and sedentary farming communities, often Christian, have escalated into deadly confrontations.

The conflict is largely driven by climate change, desertification, and shrinking grazing land, which have forced herders to migrate southward in search of fertile pastures and water. These migrations often lead to clashes with farming communities over land ownership, grazing rights, and access to water, with devastating consequences.

These disputes, once localised, have grown deadlier in recent years, as more herdsmen have reportedly taken up arms. The availability of small arms and the perceived failure of authorities to deliver justice have only fuelled the violence further, pushing Nigeria’s fragile security situation closer to a tipping point.

Just last month, gunmen killed more than 150 people in neighbouring Benue State in a similarly coordinated assault, underscoring the growing scale and frequency of such attacks.

Insecurity Undermining Stability

The persistent insecurity in central and northern Nigeria is undermining national stability and development efforts. Many residents in affected areas are forced to abandon their homes, farms, and businesses, deepening poverty, displacement, and food insecurity.

In Plateau State, which lies on the border between Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim north and largely Christian south, ethnic and religious differences further complicate the situation. Tahoss, the site of Tuesday’s attack, is one of many villages caught in the crossfire of this broader national crisis.

Security analysts warn that unless proactive measures are taken to address the root causes of the conflict — including land reforms, justice for victims, and improved rural development — attacks like this will continue unabated.

Calls for Action

Local and national leaders have been called upon to act swiftly. Community members, survivors, and civil society groups are demanding enhanced security, swift investigations, and long-term solutions to the land-use conflict and banditry in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

So far, there has been no official statement from Nigeria’s federal government on the Tahoss killings. However, advocacy groups are pressing for urgent humanitarian support for displaced residents and families of the victims.

For the people of Riyom and other conflict-hit areas, the fear of another night like Tuesday lingers heavily. Until decisive steps are taken to break the cycle of violence, rural communities remain vulnerable — caught between neglect, armed aggression, and political indifference.

Conclusion

The brutal killing of at least 20 people in Tahoss village is yet another tragic reminder of the deepening crisis in central Nigeria. As communities continue to suffer from escalating violence, urgent action is needed—from both state and federal authorities—to strengthen security, address the root causes of the herder-farmer conflict, and deliver justice to affected families. Without a coordinated and sustained response, these cycles of violence will only continue to destabilise lives and communities across the region.

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At least 20 people were killed in a gun attack in Tahoss village, Plateau State, Nigeria. As violence between herders and farmers continues, officials call for urgent security reforms and long-term solutions.