Jos, Plateau State – Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State was overcome with emotion on Tuesday, publicly apologizing to residents following a devastating attack in the Bassa Local Government Area that claimed the lives of over 50 people. The assault on the Zikke community in the early hours of Monday saw gunmen descend upon the area, resulting in numerous deaths, the razing of homes, and the displacement of hundreds. This tragedy comes just two weeks after a similar attack in Bokkos LGA where scores also lost their lives.
Visibly distraught during a visit to the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Miango, Governor Mutfwang stated, “I will tell you the truth: I myself, I have been crying since yesterday because I had trusted God that all the arrangements we had been put in place, that this would not happen again.”
He continued, “We have made investments in security. But like all human arrangements, sometimes they fail. I want to admit that on Sunday night into Monday morning, we failed you. Please, forgive me.”
Accompanied by security chiefs and members of the state executive council, the Governor visited the affected community to offer condolences and assess the extent of the destruction. He urged residents to be vigilant and to assist security agencies with timely intelligence to prevent future attacks.
The Paramount Ruler of Irigwe land, His Royal Highness Ronku Aka, the Brangwe of Irigwe, called on the state government for urgent intervention with relief materials and the restoration of essential amenities to the impacted communities. Governor Mutfwang also visited bereaved families who had recently buried their loved ones.
Amidst tears and expressions of outrage, residents pleaded for immediate and decisive action to halt what many described as an ongoing campaign of genocidal violence.
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the attacks and directed security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice, labeling the killings as “heinous” and vowing that those responsible will not go unpunished.
While the historical context of the Plateau crisis often involves disputes between farmers and herders over resources, Governor Mutfwang expressed a deeper concern, characterizing the recent violence as “sponsored and genocidal.” He further revealed that over 64 communities in the state have been forcibly taken over by armed groups.
Plateau State, located in Nigeria’s North-Central region, has a long history of sectarian and ethnic strife. The latest attacks have intensified fears that lasting peace remains elusive, despite assurances from the government and investments in security measures.
As Plateau State grapples with this latest tragedy, serious questions are being raised about the effectiveness of the current security framework and the political will to bring an end to the persistent bloodshed.
We’ve Failed You People: Governor Mutfwang Apologizes Amidst Grief Over Fresh Plateau Massacre
