Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has urged residents to stand together and defend their communities against what he described as “coordinated acts of terror” targeting innocent lives across the state.
This follows the latest wave of violence in Bassa Local Government Area, where at least 51 people, including children and the elderly, were killed in brutal attacks on Kwall District. Homes were set ablaze, property destroyed, and many residents left injured or displaced.
Unlike previous reactions focused mainly on condemning the violence, Mutfwang’s latest response has taken a more hands-on approach—calling on communities to activate self-help defense systems in collaboration with security forces.
“We must protect our homes,” the governor said during a statewide broadcast on Wednesday morning. “Our traditional leaders, youths, and vigilante groups must come together, work with the police and military, and ensure these killers don’t return.”
He said that similar attacks in Bokkos LGA recently claimed 52 lives, showing a disturbing pattern of organized violence that aims to force locals off their ancestral lands.
In response, the governor announced a state-wide ban on night grazing of cattle. He also prohibited the transportation of cattle by vehicle after 7 PM. Additionally, the use of motorcycles is now restricted between 7 PM and 6 AM.
“These are not normal times,” Mutfwang said. “We will not fold our arms while our people are slaughtered.”
To ease the pain of affected families, the governor has directed hospitals to offer free medical care to victims. Relief items, food, and temporary shelters are also being provided to displaced persons.
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He also unveiled a Fact-Finding Committee and appointed a Special Envoy on Peace to lead community consultations and intelligence coordination. Religious and community leaders have been tasked with immediate dialogue to address the deeper causes of the conflict.
“We are peace-loving people,” Mutfwang said. “But we will no longer tolerate those who bring death to our doorsteps.”
The governor assured residents of President Tinubu’s full support and called on everyone to remain calm, stay alert, and provide useful information to security agencies.
“To the killers and their sponsors,” Mutfwang warned, “you may run, but you will not hide. Your evil shall not go unpunished. Plateau will rise. Plateau will prevail.”
