Community Advocate Raises Alarm Over Abandoned Villages, Calls for Urgent Resettlement in Plateau

By Zagazola Makama

A community advocate has raised concerns over the continued displacement of residents from Hokk Village in the Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, urging the government to accelerate efforts to resettle affected communities and strengthen security in vulnerable areas.

Emmanuel Jelan, a social critic, made the appeal while sharing photographs showing the current state of Hokk Village, which he said has remained deserted following repeated attacks by armed assailants.

According to him, the village is one of several communities in Bokkos LGA whose residents have been forced to flee their homes and are now living as internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Jelan expressed concern that prolonged displacement could allow attackers to consolidate their presence in abandoned communities if urgent action is not taken.

He called on the Plateau State Government to move beyond public assurances on security by implementing practical measures, including the safe resettlement of displaced residents and the provision of adequate security for communities vulnerable to further attacks.

“The continued abandonment of these villages poses serious humanitarian and security concerns. Urgent intervention is needed to enable displaced families to return to their homes safely,” he said.