Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has declared the latest wave of killings as ethnic cleansing, not random violence. He announced strict security measures and a local defense strategy to protect citizens. Read full story.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has declared that the ongoing wave of killings in the state is not a clash between herders and farmers, but a calculated campaign of terror aimed at displacing indigenous communities and destabilizing the state.
Governor Mutfwang made this declaration during a statewide broadcast in response to the latest massacre in Zike village, Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area, where armed assailants attacked late Sunday, April 13, killing scores and setting homes ablaze.
This tragedy occurred barely days after over 50 persons were murdered in Bokos Local Government Area, a massacre that shocked the nation and left Plateau reeling from the loss.
“My beloved people of Plateau, what we are witnessing is not random violence—it is systematic, premeditated terror,” Mutfwang said.
He described the attacks as part of a familiar but tragic pattern that has affected communities like Dogonahawa, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, and most recently Bokos, noting that the aim of the perpetrators is to sow fear and conquer ancestral lands.
“This is not a farmer-herder crisis. This is ethnic cleansing. This is terrorism, pure and simple,” the governor stated emphatically.
In response to the crisis, Governor Mutfwang announced a series of security and regulatory measures to combat the violence and protect vulnerable communities:
Total ban on night grazing of cattle across Plateau State.
Prohibition of transporting cattle in vehicles after 7:00 PM.
Restriction of motorcycle operations from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM statewide.
He further directed traditional rulers, community heads, and youth leaders to reactivate local vigilante networks and organize night patrols in collaboration with security agencies.
“Our communities must not sit idly while terrorists attempt to overrun us. We must rise and defend ourselves—lawfully and courageously,” Mutfwang charged.
The governor revealed that he had visited multiple affected communities, including Hurti, Mbar, Mangunba, Dafo, and Rui, the latter where mourners at a wake were gruesomely attacked.
“The pain I witnessed in these communities is unbearable. Entire families are now homeless, living in churches and temporary shelters. The goal of these attacks is to make our people abandon their land,” he added.
In line with humanitarian efforts, Mutfwang commended the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for quickly deploying relief materials to the victims.
He also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had assured him of swift action from the nation’s security architecture, while senior security officers including the Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police, and the National Security Adviser are actively involved in efforts to restore order.
“Operation Rainbow is being strengthened. Special forces are being deployed. The criminals responsible for these attacks will be hunted down and brought to justice.”
To bolster resilience and intelligence gathering at the grassroots, Governor Mutfwang announced the establishment of:
A Fact-Finding Committee to uncover the root causes of the crisis and recommend solutions.
A Special Envoy on Peacebuilding to engage directly with communities and traditional institutions.
A mandate for the Interreligious Council to promote inter-communal unity and peaceful coexistence.
Governor Mutfwang also directed all hospitals in Plateau to treat victims of the recent attacks free of charge, promising full government support for their recovery.
“Let me be clear to those sponsoring and executing these attacks: Plateau will not bow to fear. You may kill our people, but you will never break our spirit.”
He called on the people of Plateau to remain united, resilient, and law-abiding while assuring them that justice will be served.
“Plateau has always been known for peace, hospitality, and tolerance. We will not let these killers redefine who we are. Plateau will prevail.”
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