A fact-finding committee set up by the Plateau State Government has revealed that at least 11,749 people were killed in violent attacks across the state between 2001 and 2025. The committee also reported that 420 communities were attacked within the same period.

Presenting its findings to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Wednesday in Jos, the committee’s chairman, retired Major General Nicholas Rogers, described the figures as “sobering” and warned that the actual death toll may be higher than officially documented.

Plateau State, located in Nigeria’s north-central region, has long been plagued by violent clashes involving farmers and herders, inter-communal disputes, and ethno-religious conflicts. These crises have resulted in massive loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of thousands of people.

According to the committee, the attacks spanned 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and caused extensive damage to livelihoods. The report revealed that 35 percent of livestock in affected areas had been destroyed, 32.5 percent of residents displaced, 16.8 percent of food supplies destroyed, 9.9 percent of houses razed, and 3.4 percent of lands illegally occupied or grabbed.

The committee also identified serious psychological, cultural, and economic consequences for victims, with attackers reportedly infiltrating communities through neighbouring states such as Taraba, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Nasarawa before retreating.

Mr. Rogers attributed the root causes of the violence to criminal infiltration, competition over natural resources, historical grievances, and ethnic mistrust. He called for “decisive leadership, inclusive action, and transformative peace-building” to stem the tide of violence.

Governor Mutfwang, while receiving the report, thanked the committee for its work and promised to forward the findings to the federal government for implementation. He added that the state government would intensify early warning systems and deploy more security personnel under Operation Rainbow, Plateau’s security outfit.

“In anticipation of this report, we have recruited more operatives and will send over 1,000 for training. Our Peace Building Agency has also expanded its activities to communities because we realise the solution is not just kinetic but must include non-kinetic options,” Mr. Mutfwang said.

He also pledged to tackle poverty, improve infrastructure, and promote human capital development to address some of the underlying causes of violence. The governor urged Plateau citizens to embrace peaceful coexistence and leaders to preach peace rather than inflame tensions.