27 Farmers Killed Near Checkpoint — Plateau Questions Military Inaction

The Plateau State government has faulted the Nigerian military for failing to arrest or neutralise attackers who killed 27 farmers in Bindi, a community in Riyom Local Government Area, despite a checkpoint being just 200 metres from the scene.

The early-morning attack, which occurred on July 16, left widespread destruction across eight settlements. Gunmen reportedly stormed the area around 3 am, razing homes and farmlands.

Speaking on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief on Friday, Commissioner for Information Joyce Ramnap said the government was alarmed that the military had “close contact” with the attackers but made no arrests.

“The response we got was that none were arrested and none were captured,” Ramnap said. “None of those who carried out the attack have been apprehended despite the proximity of the soldiers to the location. It is not an obscure location. It is along a route that has checkpoints.”

She noted that while the government is not accusing the entire military of negligence, it expects greater accountability from security forces.

“We do not want to stereotype and say the entire army compromised in this case. However, there is room to do more investigation, and the governor specifically requested that at least they should have made some arrests,” she added.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang had earlier condemned the killings and called for a complete overhaul of the security strategy in the state, questioning why intelligence warnings were not acted upon.

Ramnap also highlighted that some residents tried to defend themselves, but the worst-hit areas were where villagers sought refuge in a church.

“The worst-hit area was where people were hiding in a church. That was where the casualties were highest,” she said.