Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has visited the attacked community of Irigwe where 51 villagers were murdered by suspected herdsmen on Sunday April 13.
The governor expressed deep sorrow for the loss suffered by the locals.
“The whole nation mourns with you, the international community mourns with you. I have cried since yesterday. All arrangements were put in place to avoid this, yet we failed you. On behalf of the government and security agencies, please forgive us,” he told the greiveing community
Mutfwang condemned the repeated attacks on the people of Irigwe land but blamed poor roads and inadequate infrastructure on years of neglect due to insecurity and terrorism. He warned that more innocent lives must not be lost. “We are more determined than ever to ensure that no more innocent blood is shed on the Plateau. There’s no reason for anyone to take the law into their hands. While we continue to invest in security, communities must also rise to defend themselves. We can no longer afford to sleep while the enemy strikes at night,” he declared.
The governor urged the youth to remain vigilant during the upcoming farming season, adding, “This is not the time to lament or trade blame. It’s time to unite and protect one another. The people who attack us are not ghosts — they are known, and those shielding them are complicit.”
He also conveyed the assurances of President Bola Tinubu, who has promised federal support to help the community not just survive but thrive in their ancestral land.
Calls for Justice
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), condemned the violent attack.
“I am saddened to learn of the attack on the Zike community, Kimakpa, Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, which resulted in the death of 51 people and destruction of several properties. This sad attack came after over 50 persons were killed within a week in attacks over five communities in the state. Plateau State must not be allowed to become a hotbed of violence and wanton destruction again after the relative peace it has enjoyed in recent years.
“The federal government must rise to its responsibility to ensure that all lives and properties are protected, and the message of peace should be embraced by everyone in the state and beyond. I extend my condolences to the government and people of Plateau State. I also urge the authorities to ensure that justice is served by bringing the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to book,” the politician said in a statement.
Senator Jonah Jang, a former governor of Plateau State, dismissed the view that the killings were merely communal. He said, “I commend Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his tireless efforts to find a lasting solution to this crisis. His dedication to the safety and well-being of Plateau citizens is truly commendable. I also applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his determination to stop the senseless killings of innocent citizens. His commitment to protecting the lives of Nigerians, particularly those in Plateau State, is a positive step forward.”
He further remarked, “However, I believe it is important to address a misconception in the President’s recent statement directing Governor Mutfwang to resolve the ‘communal issue’. This suggestion appears to stem from inaccurate briefings by his advisers. The attacks in Plateau State are not merely communal disputes; they are perpetrated by a known group with a specific agenda. It is important for the President to understand the true nature of these attacks in order to address them effectively.”
He advised, “We must convene a meeting with community leaders to get a comprehensive understanding of the situation in Plateau State.”
Voices of Civil Society and Peace Advocates
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) condemned the killings in Bassa Local Area. Rev. Yakubu Pam, its chairman, declared, “We are deeply saddened and outraged by the senseless and barbaric attacks that have claimed the lives of innocent and peace-loving citizens. These repeated acts of violence are a violation of human dignity and a direct threat to the peace and unity of our state and nation.” He added, “We call on security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. We also urge government levels to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of lives.”
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) director, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, expressed deep concern over the violence. He stated, “Efforts should focus on rebuilding trust and restoring harmony to conflict-affected areas. Understanding the context of violent attacks and addressing root causes is vital to preventing future conflicts.” His words call on community leaders, religious figures, and traditional rulers to work together to end the cycle of violence in Plateau State and beyond.
Police Stepping Up Security in Plateau
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun warned the attackers in rural Plateau. He stated, “We condemn these acts of violence and recognise their devastating impact, especially on local farmers. In response, we have deployed more security personnel and resources to the affected areas and are working closely with other security agencies.”
He added, “Intelligence gathering efforts have also been intensified to identify and bring the masterminds behind these attacks to justice.”
He reassured locals, saying, “I assure you that these criminal elements will soon be outnumbered. I appeal to the people of Plateau to remain calm and peaceful.”
Like 👍, Comment, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
