Governor Mutfwang Blasts Plateau Attack, Pledges Enhanced Security

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has strongly denounced the recent brutal assault on the Bin-mper community within the Mangu Local Government Area, labeling the incident as both savage and intolerable. Governor Mutfwang conveyed his sentiments on Thursday during a visit to the affected Kombum District, where the tragic attack reportedly resulted in the deaths of 24 individuals. According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria, the community experienced the deadly incursion on the night of Monday, August 18th, with numerous women and children tragically losing their lives.

The governor conveyed profound sorrow regarding the unfortunate event, admitting the state government's fundamental duty to safeguard its citizens from such aggressions. During his address, Mutfwang stated, “I condole with you all today and plead with you to take courage in the Lord. As a government, we take responsibility for failing to protect you. We plead that you please take heart.”

Mutfwang characterized the mass killings as “a barbaric, senseless and evil display on innocent lives,” further asserting that the assault was also a direct challenge to his administration. He elaborated, “It was not only an attack against your community but also an attack on me.” He viewed the incident as a clear defiance against his leadership and the collective commitment of his government to ensure the safety of lives and assets.

The governor gave assurances to the inhabitants that his government intends to fortify current security protocols to avert future assaults on susceptible communities. He declared, “This government would not relent in its determination to secure the state and create an environment conducive to the prosperity and well-being of its people.” Additionally, Mutfwang pledged that those responsible for the violence would not succeed in seizing their ancestral territories, stating emphatically, “We will do everything within our powers to ensure that you remain on your land. Nobody will take over your land.”

Mutfwang confirmed that law enforcement agencies have apprehended some individuals in connection with the incident, guaranteeing that the government would pursue the investigation to its rightful conclusion. Prior to his visit to the community, Governor Mutfwang had paid a courtesy call to the Mishkagham Mwaghavul, Da. Putmang Hirse, the traditional ruler, where he was accompanied by Mrs. Abiodun Esiet, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement. There, he conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering support to the traditional leadership and the populace, pledging that the government would escalate measures to eradicate insurgency across Plateau State.

Mrs. Esiet, whose presence in the state was primarily for condolence, had earlier participated in a retreat organized by the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives. She implored all stakeholders to consistently champion peace, highlighting its critical role in fostering development both within Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.

In his response, Da. Putmang Hirse extended gratitude to Governor Mutfwang and his accompanying delegation for standing in solidarity with the Mwaghavul people during their time of distress. He characterized the assault as both unprovoked and calculated, suggesting that the assailants aimed to inflict suffering and disrupt the tranquility of the community. Hirse remarked, “This is something we least expected; people were asleep when they were massacred.” He emphasized that Mangu had historically been among the most serene local government areas, where residents coexisted harmoniously with their neighbours and welcomed strangers. “Yet, we were attacked,” he stated, while affirming that the Mwaghavul community would uphold its resilience, peaceful conduct, and adherence to the law. He concluded, “No amount of intimidation would force us to abandon our ancestral land or undermine our resolve to live peacefully in our communities.”