Bokkos

Bokkos is a Local Government Area in Plateau State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Bokkos at 9°18′00″N 9°00′00″E / 9.30000°N 9.00000°E / 9.30000; 9.00000.

History

The Plateau State University, located in Bokkos, was suspended in 2007 and later reopened in 2012.

Recent Violence and Conflict

Plateau State has experienced recurrent violence rooted in complex issues, including competition over land, ethnicity, religion, and political power. Both Christian and Muslim communities have suffered from these conflicts, with tragic losses on all sides.

In December 2023, between 140 and 300 Christians were killed in a four-day massacre during the Christmas season in Plateau State. Additionally, on Easter Monday, 1 April 2024, ten Christians were killed in attacks on three communities of the Parish of Saint Thomas the Apostle, reportedly carried out by suspected Fulani militants. ^{[1](https://es.zenit.org/2024/04/11/masacre-de-pascua-extremistas-matan-a-10-personas-entre-ellas-una-mujer-embarazada-y-a-su-bebe-en-el-vientre/)[2](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/12/26/world/nigeria-herdsmen-farmers-attack/)}

However, the violence in Plateau State is not one-sided. Muslim communities have also been victims of attacks. In August 2021, a convoy of five buses carrying Muslim worshippers returning from a religious event in Bauchi State to Akure, Ondo State, was ambushed in Rukuba, near Jos. The attack led to the killing of at least 22 Muslim travelers.^{[3](https://www.africanews.com/2021/08/16/at-least-22-killed-in-central-nigeria-attack/)}

There have also been reports of attacks targeting Muslim individuals and groups. For example, recent claims suggest that Muslim Quranic students traveling from Bauchi to Jos were attacked, and that a Muslim military general was killed when his vehicle was attacked, with his body reportedly discarded in a river. However, detailed and verified reports on these incidents are limited.

Understanding the Conflict

The ongoing violence in Plateau State reflects long-standing tensions involving land disputes, ethnic divisions, and religious differences between predominantly Christian farming communities and Muslim Fulani herders. Both sides have experienced devastating losses, and media portrayals of these events can sometimes contribute to misunderstandings.

Efforts toward peace building, dialogue, and reconciliation remain critical to addressing the root causes of these conflicts and preventing further violence. A balanced narrative that acknowledges the suffering of all affected communities is essential for fostering unity and lasting peace in the region.