Former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos, has called on the government and security agencies to bring to justice those behind the July 15, 2025, attack on Bindi in Tahos Village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Speaking during a visit to the community on Saturday, Bagos said his mission was first to commiserate with the victims, assess the situation, and provide immediate support through his foundation. He donated roofing sheets and wood to help rebuild houses razed in the incident, which claimed several lives, left many injured, and destroyed homes, including a church.
“We are here to commiserate with the community and to conduct a needs assessment on possible interventions. Today we brought bundles of zinc and wood to help in roofing some of the burnt houses. But beyond this, we must continue to demand justice,” Bagos said.
He lamented that, two months after the attack, no suspects had been arrested or prosecuted, insisting that failure to hold perpetrators accountable would only embolden further violence.
“Lives were lost and blood was shed. Who has been arrested, who is in court, and who has been convicted? Until justice is served, these attacks will continue. Enough is enough; our leaders must act,” he stressed.
Bagos who also inspected some of the burnt houses, reiterated his long-standing call for a ban on open grazing as a solution to recurring farmer-herder clashes across Nigeria. According to him, open grazing has become a major channel for insecurity and should be outlawed nationwide.
“It is simple: ban open grazing. Today people have been killed, farmlands destroyed, and yet we allow this system to persist. In the 21st century, we should not be trivializing insecurity with ethnicity or religion. This affects everyone,” he said.
The former lawmaker further urged the Plateau State Government to ensure full implementation of recommendations from the recently submitted fact-finding committee on insecurity, noting that it could form a lasting legacy for Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration.
During the visit, His Royal Highness Pastor Kim Nani Manja, the traditional ruler of Tahos, commended recent changes in Sector 6 security leadership, which he said had already led to the arrest of hundreds of cattle involved in farm destruction. He called for sustained government commitment and accountability.
Also speaking, Rev. Davou Dabo of COCIN LCC Binda, whose home and car were burnt in the attack, described the trauma faced by survivors. He disclosed that 7 of his church members were killed alongside nine family members in the attack which claimed 27 persons within the area.
“I have not received any direct intervention apart from roofing materials provided through the state and local government. Our people are in still displaced, children are out of school, and farms destroyed. We are pleading for more support,” he said.
The July 15 attack on Binda remains one of the deadliest in Riyom in recent months, leaving the community devastated and heightening calls for stronger security measures, justice for victims, and sustainable peace initiatives.
