Tragedy in Plateau: Aten Community Conducts Mass Burial for 30 Indigenes Killed in Kwara Attack

 

​The atmosphere in the Ganawuri District of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, was heavy with grief and solemnity on Friday, February 20, 2026, as the Aten community gathered to perform a mass burial and memorial service for 30 of its indigenes. These victims, comprised of men, women, and children, were brutally murdered by terrorists during an invasion of the Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State earlier this month.

​The event, which took place at the EKAN Primary School in Ganawuri, served as a painful reminder of the security challenges facing Nigerians, even those who travel far from home in search of greener pastures.

​The Woro Community Massacre: How It Happened

​On February 3, 2026, a group of suspected terrorists launched a violent attack on the Woro community in Kwara State. This settlement had become a secondary home for hundreds of Plateau State indigenes—predominantly from the Aten ethnic group—who migrated to the region to engage in large-scale farming and commercial activities.

​What was supposed to be a productive season turned into a nightmare when the attackers invaded. While many managed to escape into the bushes, 30 individuals were not as fortunate. The Deputy Chairman of Riyom Council, Gwong Song, had earlier confirmed the tragic death toll, noting that the victims were defenseless civilians. Beyond the loss of life, the attack displaced over 500 natives of Riyom, leaving them stranded and traumatized in a foreign land.

​A Somber Mass Burial in Ganawuri

​Following the coordinated efforts of the Riyom Local Government Council and the Plateau State Government, the remains of the deceased were repatriated to their ancestral home for a final rest. The burial ceremony was organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ganawuri District, in collaboration with the Aten Development Association (ADA).

​The ceremony was more than just a burial; it was a communal outpouring of grief. High-ranking government officials, traditional rulers, and religious leaders stood side-by-side with the survivors and the families of the fallen. Tears flowed freely as the coffins were lowered, symbolizing a deep wound in the heart of the Aten people.

​Government Response and Solidarity

​Representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mrs. Josephine Piyo, delivered a heart-wrenching condolence message. She described the killing as a "tragic loss" that transcends the Aten people, affecting the entire state.

​"The state government stands in unwavering solidarity with the Aten community during this moment of immense pain," Piyo stated. She assured the grieving families that the government would provide moral support and continue to work toward ensuring the safety of Plateau indigenes wherever they may reside.

​Adding to the government’s commitment, the Commissioner for Education, Kachollom Gang, highlighted the psychological toll of the massacre. She revealed that the state is making arrangements to provide trauma care and counseling for the returnees. This is particularly crucial as many survivors witnessed the gruesome deaths of their loved ones and have returned home with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

​Calls for Justice and Security

​The Ata’a Aten of Ganawuri, HRH Yakubu Chaimang, who also serves as the President of the Riyom Traditional Council, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He emphasized the heavy burden placed on families who have lost their breadwinners and called on the federal and state governments to ensure that justice is served.

​"The blood of these innocent farmers must not be shed in vain," the monarch noted, urging security agencies to track down the perpetrators of the Woro community attack.

​Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Riyom LGA, Bature Sati Shuwa, described the killings as "gruesome and heartbreaking." He encouraged the community to remain resilient and united, vowing that his administration would prioritize the welfare and security of all residents to prevent such a recurrence.

​The Plight of Displaced Farmers

​The Woro attack has brought to the forefront the risks faced by Nigerian internal migrants. For decades, farmers from the Middle Belt have moved to various parts of the country to utilize fertile lands. This tragedy has not only resulted in loss of life but has also dealt a significant blow to food security, as over 500 active farmers have been displaced and forced to abandon their crops.

​As the Aten community begins the long journey toward healing, the primary concern remains the fate of those still missing. While many have returned to Plateau State, several individuals remain unaccounted for, leaving families in a painful state of limbo.

​Conclusion: A Nation in Mourning

​The mass burial in Ganawuri is a sober reflection of the fragility of peace in certain regions. As prayers were offered for the souls of the departed, the underlying message from all speakers was clear: Nigeria must do more to protect its citizens from the scourge of terrorism.

​The resilience of the Aten people will be tested in the coming months as they reintegrate the survivors and rebuild their lives. For now, the focus remains on honoring the 30 souls who went looking for a livelihood but found an untimely end.