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From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has described the killing of 24 persons in Bin Mper community, Kombun District of Mangu Local Government , as a personal tragedy and a direct affront to his administration’s efforts to protect lives and property in the state.
Mutfwang, who visited the community on Thursday to condole with the bereaved families, particularly the women, expressed deep pain over the attack, describing it as barbaric, senseless and unacceptable.
In a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the governor said the loss of innocent lives was not only an attack on the affected community but also a direct affront to his person and the collective resolve of the Plateau State Government to protect its citizens.
“This is not an attack on the community alone; it is an attack on me. I pray that God will grant you peace and comfort. The police have said that some persons have been arrested, and we will follow the matter to its logical conclusion. We will do everything within our powers to ensure that you remain on your land. Nobody will take over your land,” he assured.
The governor said his administration would adopt additional strategies and strengthen existing security measures to prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities, stressing that the 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. He noted that the attack occurred at a time when the government had reviewed its security architecture in collaboration with security agencies, including the new General Officer Commanding, 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Maxwell Dangana, and other relevant authorities.
According to him, the review was aimed at improving the protection of lives and property and preventing attacks on vulnerable communities.
Mutfwang condoled with the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.
He also commended the courage, resilience and patriotism of Plateau youths who have continued to support efforts to safeguard their communities, urging them to remain peaceful, vigilant and law-abiding while working closely with constituted authorities.
The governor stressed that the fight against insecurity required unity and sustained collaboration among communities, traditional institutions, government and security agencies.
He expressed confidence that, through collective resolve and sustained security operations, the state would overcome banditry, terrorism and other criminal elements threatening its peace.
Earlier, Mutfwang received a security briefing from the GOC, 3 Division, Nigerian Army, where he called for more proactive, intelligence-driven and coordinated measures to protect vulnerable communities and prevent attacks before they occur.
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The governor also paid a sympathy visit to the Mishkagham Mwaghavul, His Royal Highness, Da. John Putmang Hirse, where he condoled with the bereaved families and the entire Mwaghavul Nation over the incident.
He assured the traditional ruler and the people that he would not let them down, stressing that his administration remained resolute in its determination to defeat banditry and other forms of criminality in the state.
Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen the security architecture across Plateau State.
He expressed confidence in the professionalism, dedication and commitment of the security agencies to restoring and sustaining peace and protecting the lives and property of citizens.
Responding, Da. Putmang Hirse appreciated the governor for visiting the community and identifying with the people in their moment of grief.
He described the attack as senseless and deliberate, saying the perpetrators appeared determined to inflict pain and destabilise a peaceful community.
“This is something we least expected. People were asleep when they were massacred. Mangu is one of the most peaceful Local Government Areas. We live peacefully with our neighbours and accommodate visitors, yet we were attacked,” he said.
The traditional ruler assured that the Mwaghavul people would remain resilient, peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that no amount of intimidation would force them to abandon their ancestral land or undermine their resolve to live peacefully in their communities.
Also speaking, the President of the Mwaghavul Development Association Women’s Wing, Mrs Grace Joseph Gora, expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and described the attack as unacceptable.
She appealed to the women to remain calm and peaceful while supporting the government and security agencies in efforts to address insecurity and prevent further attacks.
Mutfwang’s visit underscored the determination of his administration to stand with communities affected by insecurity, protect the territorial integrity of Plateau State and preserve the heritage and ancestral lands of its people.
The governor was accompanied by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Dr Abiodun Esiet, top government officials and heads of security agencies in the state.
