BOKKOS, PLATEAU — June 28, 2026
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, on Sunday led a high-powered delegation to Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State to commiserate with victims of the persistent attacks that have claimed lives and displaced many residents in the area.
The delegation included the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Chief David Barji, the Local Government Chairmen of Kanke, Pankshin, and Bokkos, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders.
Addressing members of the Mushere community, Prof. Yilwatda described the continued loss of lives and destruction in Bokkos since 2025 as heartbreaking and called for renewed efforts toward lasting peace.
He encouraged the people to remain resilient, embrace peaceful coexistence, and continue their farming activities, noting that agriculture remains vital to the economic growth of Mushere land, Plateau State, and Nigeria.
Bokkos has been one of the epicentres of violence in Plateau State. In December 2023, suspected militia pastoralists attacked over 160 villages across Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu Local Government Areas, affecting more than 200,000 people, with about 300 lives lost.
More recently, on June 21, 2026, an armed group killed at least 20 people in the Kawel community in the Bokkos area.
As part of the humanitarian intervention, the delegation distributed several bags of food items and other relief materials to support affected families.
They also announced plans to provide healthcare facilities to improve access to medical services for the community.
The humanitarian crisis in Bokkos has been severe. A May 2026 assessment by the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation documented widespread trauma among 50 widows at the COCIN Central IDP Camp in Bokkos, with survivors recounting harrowing experiences of violence by armed herdsmen.
Many had lost husbands, children, and other family members, with one survivor, Mrs Paulina Jerry, losing six members of her family in a single attack on May 26, 2025.
During the visit, Prof. Yilwatda commended the courage and resilience demonstrated by members of the affected communities despite the difficult circumstances.
He also praised the COCIN RCC Church for providing shelter to displaced persons and pledged support for the church in recognition of its humanitarian role.
The Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) has been at the forefront of providing shelter and support to displaced communities in Bokkos.
The COCIN Central Church in Bokkos has served as a gathering point for humanitarian support programmes. Tragically, the conflict has also claimed clergy, with Reverend Markus Nyam of COCIN killed near his residence during a recent attack.
In their response, community leaders and residents expressed profound appreciation to Prof.
Yilwatda and the entire delegation for identifying with them during their time of grief.
They thanked the APC National Chairman for the relief assistance and his commitment to supporting the recovery and well-being of the people of Bokkos.
The visit comes amid growing calls for government intervention to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Plateau State's north-central region.
Survivors have consistently appealed for decisive government action, with one displaced woman, Rhoda, stating: "Our community has been taken from us, and we cannot return unless the government intervenes decisively".
The visit by the APC National Chairman and the Humanitarian Affairs Minister signals increased federal attention to the plight of displaced communities in Bokkos.
However, humanitarian workers have warned that without urgent psychosocial support and economic intervention, displaced populations, particularly widows, risk long-term mental health deterioration and prolonged dependency.
The delegation's pledge to provide healthcare facilities represents a step toward addressing the critical needs of affected communities, but sustainable peace and the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes remain contingent on improved security and decisive government action.
Reports by Agnes Ukwa James.
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