Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has admitted that the government has consistently failed to protect the people of the state from being attacked by terrorists.
Mutfwang begged forgiveness from the Zikke and Kimakpa communities in Bassa Local Government Area, where over 50 persons were murdered on Sunday night in the latest orgy of mindless killings on the Plateau.
The governor stated this when he visited Zikke and Kimakpa communities to commiserate with the victims of the attack that claimed over 50 lives and to assure them of government support.
LEADERSHIP reports that this is the second mass killing in Plateau State in less than two weeks. On April 3, a similar attack was carried out in Bokkos local government area, killing about 52 residents.
During the visit, Governor Mutfwang expressed deep sorrow over the incident, admitting that despite efforts, the government fell short in preventing the tragedy.
“The whole nation mourns with you; the international community mourns with you. I have cried since yesterday,” the governor said in an emotion-laden voice.
“All arrangements were established to avoid this, yet we failed you. On behalf of the government and security agencies, please forgive us.”
The Plateau State governor condemned the continuous attacks that have plagued Irigwe land and promised renewed commitment toward ending the violence.
He lamented the state of infrastructure, including poor roads and lack if communication infrastructure, attributing it to years of neglect due to insecurity and terrorism.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Governor Mutfwang urged communities to revive traditional security structures and called on youths to stay vigilant, especially during the upcoming farming season.
“This is not the time to lament or trade blames. 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 stated.
He also conveyed the assurances of President Bola Tinubu, promising federal support to the people to allow them survive and thrive in their ancestral land.
During the visit, the Bra Ngwe Irigwe, Rt. Rev. Ronku Aka, paramount ruler of the Irigwe ethnic group, appreciated the governor’s presence and condolences.
He decried the consistent attempts to displace the Irigwe people through violence, even as he urged restraint from acts of revenge. He emphasised the need for increased vigilance and proactive community security measures.
Governor Mutfwang also addressed residents at a gathering held at the primary school in Zikke, reiterating his administration’s dedication to justice and lasting peace.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun said on Tuesday that the days of perpetrators of attacks on rural communities in Plateau state are numbered.
He also assured Plateau State people of the federal government’s commitment to ensuring adequate regional security.
Egbetokun gave the assurance during a visit to the governor and people of Plateau State following the recent attacks that have claimed numerous lives and displaced several communities across the state.
This marks the IGP’s third visit to Plateau State since assuming office.
“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. Intelligence gathering efforts have also been intensified to identify and bring the masterminds behind these attacks to justice,” he stated.
The IGP commended the Plateau State Government’s efforts and added, “We will work tirelessly until these issues are resolved.”
Egbetokun noted that the attackers took advantage of the limited security manpower across the local governments but reassured the people that the tide would soon turn against the assailants.
“I assure you that these criminal elements will soon be outnumbered. I appeal to the people of Plateau to remain calm and peaceful,” he assured.
Zumunta Association Condemns Plateau Killings
Meanwhile, the Zumunta Association USA Inc., a pan-Northern Nigerian diaspora group based in Washington, D.C., has condemned the spate of killings in Plateau State and other parts of Northern Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its president, Mr Sunday Bitrus, and made available to journalists on Tuesday, the association called on the federal government to take immediate and decisive action to end the bloodshed.
“This disturbing trend has become a national crisis, and we are compelled to ask if a functioning government is in place. Are we at war?
“These are human lives — lives cut short without cause, leaving behind grieving families and shattered communities,” the group said.
Northern Youths Condemn Incessant Killings In Plateau State
Similarly, Northern youths, under the auspices of the North Central Youth Council (NCYC), have condemned the incessant attacks and mass killings in Plateau State.
It called on the state government to ensure that the perpetrators of these attacks do not escape justice.
In a statement by the national president of NCYC, Sunday Asuku, in Abuja on Tuesday, the group said:
“The recent intermittent gruesome murder of innocent people on the Plateau stands condemned and should not be handled with levity by any serious government. It is saddening that those entrusted with the safety of the lives and properties of our people are quickly identified with failures due to their gross incompetence.
“While we commend the resilience and calmness of Plateau youths, the government should not be slow in doing the needful and bringing perpetrators of this dastardly act to book before the youth become agitated and restive as this may lead to unquenchable reprisal attacks and fierce response from the youth community.”
The group urged Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang to declare war on the enemy of the state and do everything within his power to secure the lives and property of the people of Plateau State.
Credit: Leadership