Bokkos Killings: Perpetrators Must Face Justice – Gov Mutfwang, IGP

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has declared that those responsible for the killing of 23 persons in Kawel community, Mushere District of Bokkos local government area, must be made to face justice.

The governor, represented by the deputy governor, Mrs Ngo Josephine Piyo, during a condolence visit to the affected community, condemned the attack and described the incident as senseless, tragic and unacceptable.

He said the killings, which occurred on 21st June, were carried out without provocation and assured residents that the government would pursue those behind the attack.

“This is very unfortunate and deeply painful. The government condemns these killings in totality because innocent people were reportedly killed without provocation or any disagreement.

“We want to assure the people that the perpetrators must be brought to book and they will face justice,” he said.

Mutfwang said his administration identifies with the people of Kawel and the entire Mushere District in their moment of grief and reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Plateau State.

He appealed to residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies as efforts are intensified to restore peace and prevent further attacks.

The governor also conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for comfort and healing for the affected community.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, through the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 4, Morris Dankwambo, has assured Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, of intensified security operations and renewed efforts to ensure perpetrators of the recent attack in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area are apprehended and brought to justice.

The assurance followed the AIG’s visit to Governor Mutfwang at the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos, on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the attack, evaluate operational gaps and strengthen preventive security measures.

Conveying the condolences of the Inspector-General to the government and people of Plateau State, Dankwambo condemned the attack and described it as a grievous assault on humanity.

“The act perpetrated by these criminals is barbaric, wicked and completely unlawful,” the AIG said.

He disclosed that security agencies had commenced a review of operational plans, identified vulnerabilities and reinforced tactical deployments to improve protection of vulnerable communities.

According to him, security operatives have intensified measures aimed at restoring public confidence, maintaining peace and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.

“Our tactical teams and operational units are fully committed and are already taking decisive steps to restore public confidence, maintain peace and bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice,” he stated.

Dankwambo stressed that sustainable peace requires stronger collaboration between security agencies and citizens and urged residents to support community policing, provide timely and credible intelligence and avoid reprisals.

Governor Mutfwang, in his response, described the visit as a demonstration of solidarity by the Nigeria Police Force and a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in Plateau.

The Governor said the state had invested significantly in securing the Mushere axis through military deployments, enhanced police presence, Special Task Force operations, and additional security assets.

He, however, noted that the recent attack underscores the need for continuous review and adaptation of security strategies.

“We cannot continue to do the same things and expect different results. We must constantly review our approaches, reassess our strategies and adapt to emerging security realities,” Mutfwang said.

The Governor disclosed that immediately after the incident, the government convened an emergency meeting of heads of security agencies to reassess the security architecture and develop fresh operational responses.

He maintained that intelligence gathering remains central to preventing insecurity and clarified that no State of Emergency had been declared in any local government area following the Bokkos attack.

“We are in hot pursuit of the perpetrators of this wicked criminality, and we have some very useful leads that are being diligently followed,” he said.

Mutfwang commended the Inspector-General of Police for the prompt deployment of the delegation and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with security agencies to restore normalcy and guarantee lasting peace across Plateau State.