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By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Caleb Mutfwang |
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang was overcome with emotion on Tuesday as he apologized to residents for the government’s inability to prevent another brutal attack that left more than 50 people dead.
The governor made the emotional appeal during a visit to the grieving Zikke community in Bassa Local Government Area, the scene of the latest massacre. A video shared by Channels TV captured the heartbreaking moment.
The attack, carried out in the early hours of Monday, saw armed gunmen storm the community, killing dozens, burning homes, and forcing hundreds to flee. This comes barely two weeks after a similar assault in Bokkos LGA claimed numerous lives.
“I will tell you the truth: I myself have been crying since yesterday,” Governor Mutfwang confessed. “I had trusted God that with all the security measures we put in place, this would not happen again. We have made investments in security.”
Speaking at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Miango, he added, “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 state officials, Mutfwang visited the devastated community to console victims’ families and assess the destruction. He urged residents to remain alert and report suspicious activities to security agencies to prevent future attacks.
The Paramount Ruler of Irigwe land, His Royal Highness Ronku Aka (Brangwe of Irigwe), called for immediate government intervention, including relief materials and the restoration of essential services in affected areas.
As grief and anger spread, President Bola Tinubu condemned the killings, labeling them “heinous” and ordering security forces to hunt down the perpetrators. He vowed that those responsible would face the full wrath of the law.
While past violence in Plateau has often been tied to farmer-herder clashes, Governor Mutfwang warned of a more sinister agenda, calling the attacks “sponsored and genocidal.” He revealed that over 64 communities in the state have been forcefully occupied by armed groups.
Despite years of sectarian conflict, the latest bloodshed has deepened fears that peace remains out of reach, despite government promises and security investments.