A report of a study conducted by Stefanos Foundation, a Christian faith-based NGO, has revealed that Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State currently have the highest number of deserted communities and settlements with little or no human activity due to incessant attacks by armed bandits and militia gangs.
The Foundation which made the announcement during a three-day prayer conference organized in collaboration with Flame International, UK, held in Miango, Bassa LGA, said the two councils also experienced the highest level of occupation by unidentified groups following years of coordinated attacks.
The Programme Coordinator of the Stefanos Foundation, Mark Lipdo, who revealed the result of the study, warned that the development was an alarming trend which has devastated communities in the state and gradually spreading to other parts of Nigeria.
“The Stefanos Foundation organized this national conference specifically to pray for the land,” Lipdo said while presenting an address on the theme of the conference which was focused on “self-rededication, forgiveness, emotional trauma, and prayers for the land.”
According to Lipdo, “The Stefanos Foundation conducted a study between December 6 and 20, 2024, focusing on areas affected by violence in Northern and Central Plateau State. A total of 171 GPS coordinates were collected and classified as follows:
Deserted communities:
No buildings or human presence.
Partially deserted communities: Ruins of buildings with very few inhabitants.
Mixed communities:
Previously attacked areas where both locals and Fulani settlers coexist.
Overrun/Occupied communities: Fully taken over by Fulani settlers.
The spatial analysis showed that Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs have the highest number of deserted and overrun settlements.
Partially deserted areas were found mainly in Bokkos, Riyom, and Bassa. Bokkos was noted as the only LGA where both locals and Fulani settlers still cohabitate despite previous attacks.”
Lipdo further disclosed that out of 136 surveyed communities:
79 are completely deserted
33 are overrun and occupied by Fulani settlers
21 are partially deserted
3 are mixed settlements
“Additionally, some churches in affected areas have reportedly been converted into mosques. Delegates at the conference reported similar situations in their respective states, prompting Stefanos Foundation to plan further research nationwide.”
During the prayer conference, Flame International’s team, led by Janice Ransom, encouraged participants to rededicate their lives to God.
Team members, including Stephen Stewart, Sharon Borland, and Robert Barlow, visited violence-affected communities in Plateau State, offering prayers, teachings on healing from trauma, and messages of forgiveness and reconciliation. Survivors were urged not to lose faith despite their hardships.
