On the night of May 20, 2024, the tranquil village of Zurak in Plateau State, Nigeria, was shattered by a brutal assault that claimed the lives of at least 40 residents. According to Plateau State police spokesperson Alfred Alabo, the attackers were armed bandits fleeing from an “aggressive onslaught” by security agents in Bangalala forest of Wase local government area. These assailants also targeted the nearby village of Dakai, resulting in additional casualties and the destruction of six houses.
Eyewitnesses recount a harrowing scene as dozens of gunmen stormed Zurak on motorcycles, indiscriminately firing upon villagers, abducting individuals, and setting homes ablaze. Babangida Aliyu, a resident who managed to escape, described the chaos: “As they entered our village, they began shooting sporadically at anyone they saw. They killed more than 40 people without any mercy.”
Reuters
This attack is part of a disturbing pattern of violence in Plateau State, where clashes between nomadic herders and farming communities have escalated in recent years. In December 2023, coordinated assaults on 17 rural communities in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas resulted in approximately 200 deaths and over 500 injuries. These attacks, believed to be perpetrated by Fulani militias, have been fueled by longstanding ethnic and religious tensions, as well as disputes over land use.
The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its response to these ongoing conflicts. Despite deploying security forces and imposing curfews, attacks have persisted, leading to calls for more effective measures to protect vulnerable communities. Amnesty International has urged for independent investigations into these incidents to ensure accountability and justice for the victims.
In the wake of the Zurak and Dakai attacks, security forces have increased their presence in the affected areas. However, residents remain fearful, and many have fled to neighboring communities seeking safety. The need for lasting solutions to address the root causes of this violence—such as land disputes, ethnic tensions, and inadequate security infrastructure—has become increasingly urgent.
Reuters
As Plateau State mourns the loss of its citizens, the broader Nigerian society grapples with the challenge of restoring peace and preventing future atrocities.
