The Governor of Plateau State has announced a devastating death toll from the long-running insecurity in the region. He revealed that from 2001 to May 2025, nearly 12,000 people have been killed and over 420 communities attacked.

The statistics were shared on Thursday at a major security meeting in Jos. The Governor’s deputy represented him, stating that evidence shows many attacks are deliberate and coordinated, not random.

The violence has led to widespread suffering, with many people forced from their homes and farmlands destroyed. The Governor expressed that this has stripped communities of their heritage and economic stability.

He also pointed to illegal mining as a key problem, saying criminal groups use the money from this trade to buy weapons and drugs, making the crisis worse.

At the meeting, community groups presented detailed data on the repeated attacks. They called for stronger protection of land rights and a new, decentralized security system to better protect people.

The summit, which included lawmakers and traditional rulers, aimed to find solutions. Leaders urged unity, asking everyone to stop comparing casualties and instead join hands to confront the collective menace.