Plateau Crises: Muslim Community Says Over 4,700 Members Killed Since 2001
The Jasawa Community Development Association (JCDA) has revealed that more than 4,700 Muslims have been killed in recurring violence across Plateau State since 2001.
The disclosure was made on Friday during a special prayer session held at the Jos Central Mosque in memory of victims of multiple crises recorded over the past two decades. The gathering featured Qur’anic recitations and solemn reflections on the human toll of persistent insecurity in the state.
JCDA National President, Yawale Muhammad, said the deaths were traced to major conflicts that rocked the state between 2001 and 2021. He listed the 2001 crisis, the 2002 “Eto Baba” attack in Jos, the 2004 Yelwa-Shendam killings, the 2008 post-election unrest, and the widespread 2010 attacks in several communities as some of the most devastating incidents.
Muhammad also recalled the 2011 assault on Muslim worshippers at the Rukuba Road Eid ground and the 2021 attack on Muslim travellers—events that added significantly to the casualty figures.
According to him, mass graves linked to the victims have been identified in Muslim cemeteries in Jos Zaria Road, Narkuta, Dadin Kowa and Yelwa-Shendam, underscoring the scale of the tragedy.
He said the prayer was organised not only to honour those who lost their lives, but also to encourage peaceful coexistence among all groups in the state.
Community leaders at the event appealed for calm and renewed commitment to dialogue, stressing that Plateau State could only attain lasting peace through justice, tolerance and mutual understanding among its diverse population.