Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Wednesday described the series of coordinated attacks that have killed dozens, destroyed homes, and displaced entire communities as deliberate and targeted.
He said the attackers are carrying out a calculated campaign to spread fear, uproot communities, and destabilise the state.
“What we have witnessed in the state is beyond tragic. Innocent men, women, and children have been murdered, homes set ablaze, properties ravaged, and entire families shattered by these brutal attacks. As we were still mourning the loss of over 50 lives in Bokkos, fresh atrocities have continued. The scale, frequency, and intent of these attacks are unmistakable”; the governor lamented.
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Governor Mutfwang, in a state broadcast following the recent attacks that led to the killing of over 100 people in the state, said Plateau was still mourning the loss of over 50 people in Bokkos when fresh attacks occurred in other parts of the state.
The governor, who visited these affected areas, said he was moved by the suffering of displaced families now sheltering in churches and makeshift camps, assuring that Plateau state will rise again.
“This is not random violence. This is not a conflict between farmers and herders. It is a deliberate attempt to destroy our communities. But Plateau shall not break. We will continue to protect lives and properties and resist the normalization of bloodshed”; Mutfwang declared.
To curb the rising insecurity, the governor announced a series of immediate measures to restore law and order.
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“Effective Wednesday, April 16th, night grazing is strictly prohibited, cattle transport by vehicle after 7:00 PM is banned, and the use of motorcycles is restricted statewide from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM until further notice”.
The governor further revealed that security deployments are being reinforced across local government areas, and the state-run Operation Rainbow security outfit is being restructured to support community based stabilisation efforts.
He added that hospitals across the state have been directed to provide free treatment to victims of the attacks.
Governor Mutfwang said he had convened an emergency State Security Council meeting and is in constant consultation with the President, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector General of Police and the National Security Adviser. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and for directing security agencies to take decisive action.
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To complement security efforts, the governor said he has instructed the reactivation of local vigilante groups in partnership with security agencies. He also called on traditional rulers and youth associations to organize night patrols in vulnerable communities.
Further initiatives announced include the appointment of a Special Envoy on Peace to lead grassroots consultations and coordinate intelligence efforts, the activation of an Inter-Religious Council to engage stakeholders, and the formation of an independent Fact-Finding Committee to investigate the root causes of the renewed violence and recommend lasting solutions.
“Furthermore, I have mandated the newly inaugurated Inter-Religious Council to begin immediate engagement with all stakeholders to address the deeper issues underlying these attacks. I will also appoint a Special Envoy on Peace to lead grassroots consultations and coordinate intelligence-gathering efforts.
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“A Fact Finding Committee comprising respected, independent voices will be established to investigate the root causes of this resurgence of violence and offer actionable recommendations”; he said.
Mutfwang urged the people of Plateau to remain united and vigilant. “Let us not give in to fear or retaliation. Report suspicious activities, cooperate with law enforcement, and protect what is ours not through violence, but with wisdom, courage, and love,” he said.
To the perpetrators and their sponsors, the governor said “Your evil shall not prevail. You may run, but you will not hide. Plateau will rise again. Plateau will not fall. Plateau will flourish to the glory of God”.
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