FACT-CHECK: Only 17 Killed in Plateau Attack —Security Sources, Community Leaders Dispel Claims of 51 Deaths
….17 corpses so far buried….
By: Zagazola Makama
Fresh facts have emerged indicating that 17 people were killed and have so far been buried following the April 12 militia attack on communities in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, contradicting figures of 51, 34, 40, and 25 being circulated by various sources.
Intelligence report obtained by Zagazola Makama from the multi-agency security task force maintaining peace in Plateau, confirms that 17 bodies were so far recovered after troops conducted a clearance operation in the affected villages.
Zagazola Makama obtained videos and pictures of the victims from the three communities before and after their burial.
This verified figure directly counters: Amnesty International’s claim that 51 persons were killed; 40 figures reported by some reputable news organizations, a statement by a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) putting the number at 34; And and initial report by the Plateau State Police Command’s official report citing 25 deaths.
However, various security authorities, supported by local community leaders, clarified that 17 victims were confirmed killed and have all been buried, putting to rest the confusion over the true casualty figure.
The Troops of Operation Safe Heaven further conducted search into the community and also confirmed a total of 17 corpses of persons killed by the militia during the attack. The troops also confirmed a total of ten huts and two houses razed down by the militia, as against the number which was making the rounds.”
Additionally, local sources including conflict researcher Zagazola Media Network, who visited the three affected villages, confirmed that only 17 victims were buried, validating the true position and further discrediting earlier inflated claims.
While the community was preparing for the mass burial, panic broke out over fears that the militia might return for another attack. The troops of Operation Safe Heaven were prompted and deployed more men to the general area and conducted clearance operations. In the midst of this, reports came in confirming that the burial had already been concluded. Again, for only 17 victims.
Zagazola sources observed that top security officials, including the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, and the Garrison Commander of 3 Division, Brig.-Gen. M.K. Sanda, visited the Kwall community to commiserate with the bereaved and assure them of efforts to apprehend the attackers.
Intelligence informed Zagazola Makama that following the attack, troops launched aggressive patrols, roadblocks and ambush missions in several areas including Gero, Te’Agbe, Rogochongo, Kpachidu, and Tafigana.
This incident draw attention to the danger of premature or exaggerated casualty reporting, especially in conflict-prone areas. While Amnesty International’s estimate may have been based on unverified accounts, such figures when inaccurate risk escalating tensions and undermining trust in official responses.
Similarly, discrepancies in report by some reputable media have also contributed to public confusion. The fact that both the police, military and community leaders now corroborate the burial of 17 victims offers the clearest and most accurate account of the tragedy.
As of now, no additional bodies have been recovered, and efforts continue to pursue the assailants and prevent further violence.
Against the backdrop of varied and conflicting figures, the confirmed and buried number of those killed remains 17. Security agencies and humanitarian actors are urged to adopt a unified and fact-based approach to reporting casualties, to ensure both accountability and public confidence in response mechanisms.
Zagazola Makama is quoted Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
