SPECIAL REPORT: How social media shapes reprisal violence in Plateau

In late March 2026, Plateau State in northern Nigeria faced another wave of communal violence, marked by a deadly cycle of attacks and reprisals that were significantly influenced by social media. This incident, which began in early February with an assault on a village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, escalated rapidly through the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content online. The violence, which left multiple dead and displaced hundreds, highlighted how digital platforms can amplify existing tensions and fuel further conflict in regions historically prone to ethnic and religious strife. The initial violence occurred on 23 February when suspected Fulani gunmen attacked Dorowa Babuje village in Barkin Ladi, killing seven people. According to security sources, four individuals were killed during the immediate aftermath of the attack, with a fifth succumbing to their injuries later. Among the victims were two residents from Jos North, a detail that quickly became central to online discourse. Social media played a pivotal role in disseminating information, both accurate and misleading, about the incident. A post by Civic Media News (CMN) on Facebook documented the roadblock set up by local youths, while a voice recording shared by Murtala Mai Igiya captured a call reporting the death of a traveler. These posts, combined with the rapid spread of Hausa language content, created an environment ripe for escalation. As the holy month of Ramadan approached, the situation took a darker turn. Online groups such as the Movement for the Protection of Plateau Heritage (MOPPLAH) began circulating messages suggesting that reprisals would occur after Eid. One such post, attributed to Sharfaddeen Bature, claimed that “after fasting, they will deal with them,” despite Bature later clarifying that his statement had been taken out of context. This misinterpretation gained traction, reinforcing fears among communities and setting the stage for further violence. Additionally, older content was resurfaced to support these claims. A February 2026 video featuring Ezekiel Dachomo, a Christian cleric, was shared again following an attack on Angwan Rukuba on 29 March, implying a premeditated plan against Muslims. Similarly, a 2025 warning from the Facebook account Barrywhytesoftouch urging Hausa residents in Tudun Wada to vacate before 29 April was recycled, adding to the sense of urgency and foreboding. The violence reached its peak on 29 March 2026 when unknown gunmen attacked Angwan Rukuba in Jos North. Reports indicated that the attackers were initially unidentified, yet the narrative quickly shifted online and on the ground to label them as Hausa, Fulani, or Muslim. This assumption triggered immediate reprisals targeting the Muslim community. Footage emerged of youths attacking two commercial motorcyclists, killing both and burning their vehicles. One of the victims, Haruna Ibrahim, was a youth corps member and recent bride. The second rider's identity remains unconfirmed. Alex Barbir, an American evangelist collaborating with Ezekiel Dachomo, arrived at the scene shortly after the attack. In a video recorded amid burning bodies, he claimed that Christians were being systematically killed and that a genocide was underway. However, at least one of the bodies visible in the footage belonged to a Muslim cyclist, contradicting his assertions. His video was subsequently shared by Adamu Garba II and others, further inflaming tensions. The events in Plateau State underscored the complex interplay between traditional communal conflicts and modern digital communication. The speed at which information, and misinformation, spread via social media platforms contributed to a climate of fear and suspicion, making it easier for retaliatory actions to take place. As investigations continue into the origins of the violence and the accuracy of the content that fueled it, the role of social media in shaping public perception and influencing real-world outcomes remains a critical area of focus. The Plateau State Police Command has launched inquiries into the circulation of potentially incendiary posts, including those linked to past warnings and resurfaced videos. With each passing day, more details emerge about the sequence of events, the motivations behind the attacks, and the extent to which online narratives shaped the course of the violence.