Another mass burial highlights the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region
The community of Miango in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State was engulfed in grief and anger on Saturday, February 28, as seven victims of yet another deadly attack were laid to rest in a mass burial ceremony.
The tragic incident occurred on February 26, 2026, when armed assailants stormed Nche Shwerishi Miango in the dead of night. According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers pursued their victims into their bedrooms before brutally ending their lives.
A Community Under Siege
The burial ceremony, held at a primary school in Miango, came just days after nine victims of a similar attack in Dorowa Babuje, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, were buried. The frequency of these incidents has left the community traumatized and demanding immediate action from authorities.
Mourners at Saturday’s ceremony carried placards bearing powerful messages: “Irigwe lives matter,” “Stop this Christian genocide,” “End Christian Genocide in Nigeria,” “Listen to the cries of our widows,” and “Justice for the slain victims.”
The atmosphere was charged with frustration and desperation as community members voiced their anguish over the persistent violence.
“We Are Tired of Burying Our People”
Ezekiel Bini, National President of the Irigwe Youths Movement, delivered a passionate speech that captured the community’s exhaustion and determination.
“We are tired of burying our people. We demand justice and protection for our community,” Bini declared. “We thought this nonsense would have stopped by now after two decades. We can no longer take this nonsense again.”
He highlighted a critical detail that challenges simplistic narratives about the violence: “When we say there is Christian genocide going on, some people won’t believe it. But right here, among the corpses, there is a Fulani man who is a Christian.”
Bini also addressed what he described as unjust arrests of community members over unrelated incidents. “No Irigwe man should take responsibility for something we don’t know. If you arrest any Irigwe because of the death of any cow, we will not take it again. Enough is enough.”
Traditional Ruler Calls for End to Open Grazing
The Paramount Ruler of the Irigwe ethnic nationality, His Royal Highness Ronku Aku, described the occasion as “a dark day for our community.”
He identified open grazing as the root cause of the persistent conflicts. “Our problem is open grazing. My people are being killed. Open grazing must stop for us to have peace in Nigeria,” the traditional ruler stated.
“I’m calling on the government to intervene in this matter. You can’t be a Chief without the people,” he added, emphasizing the urgent need for government action.
Government Response
Joshua Riti, Chairman of Bassa Local Government Area, assured residents that his administration is working closely with security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the attacks and prevent future incidents.
Remembering the Victims
Among those buried was Abbas Musa, a graduate of Enugu State University of Science and Technology who served as a health officer with Bassa LGA. He was shot dead in his home on Monday, February 23, 2026.
The other victims included five family members: Nancy Monday, Nuhu Isaiah, Henry Dah, Zongo Sunday, and Tarma Monday.
The Bigger Picture
This latest tragedy underscores the persistent security challenges facing communities in Plateau State and Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. For two decades, residents have endured cycles of violence that have claimed thousands of lives and displaced countless families.
As the nation grapples with various security concerns from banditry in the Northwest to insurgency in the Northeast, communities like Miango continue to call for lasting solutions that address the root causes of conflict.
The question remains: How long will these communities continue to bury their loved ones before concrete action is taken?
As investigations continue, the people of Miango and surrounding communities pray that these will be the last victims of senseless violence, even as they prepare to rebuild their shattered lives once again.
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