Plateau State governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has visited Zikke and Kimakpa communities in Bassa local government area to commiserate with the victims of the attacks that claimed over 50 lives and to assure them of government support.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Mutfwang expressed deep sorrow over the incident, admitting that despite efforts made, the government fell short in preventing the tragedy.
According to him, “The whole nation mourns with you, the international community mourns with you. I have cried since yesterday (Monday),” the governor said emotionally.
He stressed that, “All arrangements were put in place to avoid this, yet we failed you. On behalf of the government and security agencies, please forgive us”
The governor condemned the continuous attacks that have plagued the Irigwe land and promised renewed commitment towards ending the violence.
He also lamented the state of infrastructure, including poor roads in the area, attributing it to years of neglect due to insecurity and terrorism.
“We are more determined than ever to ensure that no more innocent blood is shed on the Plateau. There’s no reason for anyone to take the law into their hands,” he said.
He further stressed, “While we continue to invest in security, communities must also rise to defend themselves. We can no longer afford to sleep while the enemy strikes at night.”
Mutfwang urged communities to revive traditional security structures and called on youths to stay vigilant, especially during the upcoming farming season.
“This is not the time to lament or trade blame. It’s time to unite and protect one another. The people who attack us are not ghosts — they are known, and those shielding them are complicit,” he stated.
He also conveyed the assurances of President Bola Tinubu, promising federal government support, not just to survive, but to thrive in their ancestral land.
During the visit, the Bra Ngwe Irigwe who is the paramount ruler of the Irigwe ethnic group, Rt. Rev. Ronku Aka, appreciated the governor’s presence and condolences.
He decried the consistent attempts to displace the Irigwe people through violence while urging restraint from acts of revenge.
Aka emphasised the need for increased vigilance and proactive community security measures.
Similarly, the governor also addressed residents at a gathering held at the primary school in Zikke, where he reiterated his administration’s dedication to justice and lasting peace.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday said the days of perpetrators of attacks on rural communities in Plateau state was numbered.
He also assured the people of Plateau State of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring adequate security in the region.
Egbetokun gave the assurance during a visit to Governor Mutfwang and people of Plateau State following the recent attacks that have claimed numerous lives and displacement of several communities across the state.
The visit marked the IGP’s third visit to the state since assuming office. He expressed condolences to the victims and communities affected by the violence.
“We condemn these acts of violence and recognise their devastating impact, especially on local farmers. In response, we have deployed more security personnel and resources to the affected areas and are working closely with other security agencies. Intelligence gathering efforts have also been intensified to identify and bring the masterminds behind these attacks to justice,” he stated.
Commending the Plateau State Government’s efforts, the IGP added, “We will work tirelessly until these issues are resolved.”
Egbetokun further noted that the attackers were taking advantage of the limited security manpower across the local governments, but reassured the people that the tide would soon turn.
“I assure you that these criminal elements will soon be outnumbered. I appeal to the people of Plateau to remain calm and peaceful.”
