Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has strongly condemned the recent wave of killings in the state, describing them as acts of genocide, not mere clashes between farmers and herders as widely portrayed.
The governor made the remarks while responding to the gruesome attack on Jebbu Binde village in the Ta-Hoss District of Riyom Local Government Area, where over 30 people primarily families of local farmers were killed in cold blood by unidentified gunmen.
“Let it be known: this is not a case of farmer-herder conflict. This is terrorism. This is genocide, plain and simple,” Mutfwang stated with visible emotion. “And I assure you, we will escalate this matter to the highest levels of authority.”
The violent attack, which occurred on Monday, left dozens dead, homes razed, and property worth millions of naira destroyed. The latest massacre adds to a long list of recurring violent attacks in rural communities across the state many of which have gone unpunished.
“We Will Not Abandon You,” Mutfwang Assures Victims
Governor Mutfwang, who visited the affected community to commiserate with the victims, assured residents that his administration stands firmly with them and will do everything within its power to provide protection, justice, and lasting peace.
“Let me make it clear to you today: Riyom will not fall. Not under our watch,” he declared. “We will deploy every resource available to us to end these killings. Plateau people deserve to live in peace and dignity.”
He further emphasized that the perpetrators of the attacks are real people, not phantoms, and called on security agencies to act with urgency and professionalism in tracking down the culprits.
“These attackers are not spirits. They are humans who carried out coordinated, barbaric acts of violence and disappeared without consequence. This must stop,” the governor added.
A Call for National Attention and Action
Governor Mutfwang expressed frustration at the national silence over the continuous bloodshed in Plateau State and other parts of the Middle Belt, urging federal authorities to treat the situation with the seriousness it deserves.
He described the killings as part of a systematic pattern of violence, one that has devastated families, displaced communities, and eroded trust in government institutions.
“We cannot normalize this level of violence. We must not be silent when innocent lives are being wiped out in rural communities. This is a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate national and international attention,” Mutfwang emphasized.
Government’s Next Steps
Governor Mutfwang outlined plans to work closely with security agencies to strengthen community surveillance, improve early warning systems, and mobilize local defense mechanisms. He also promised support for families of the victims and rehabilitation for those displaced.
“Our administration is committed to protecting every life and every piece of property within Plateau State. We will not sit idly by while our people are butchered. Justice will be served,” he concluded.
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