Defend Yourselves – Governor Mutfwang Urges Attacked Communities
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has urged residents of Zilkke village in Bassa Local Government Area to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to defend themselves against ongoing attacks by criminal elements.
The call followed Sunday night’s deadly attack by gunmen that left over 50 people dead, many injured-including women and children-and more than 40 houses razed, according to local accounts.
The assault happened just two weeks after similar attacks in Bokkos LGA where over 80 people were killed.
The reason of the Sunday attack is not yet known, however, some persons in the area say it may be linked to a series of isolated killings which took place through the week.
Samuel Jugo, spokesperson of Irigwe Development Association (IDA) said the attacks started around 8pm, when the gunmen stormed the community and started shooting sporadically.
The perpetrators, according to the residents, were Fulani.
But a Fulani leader in the area, Ardo Lawal Haruna, denied allegation of the attack, saying the Fulani community in Kwall district is living peacefully with other members of the area.
Haruna said, “The allegation against us is false. We strongly condemn the incident and urge the security agencies to carry out their duties and identify those responsible for the attack. I am appealing to the security operatives to thoroughly investigate and uncover the perpetrators behind it.”
During an on-the-spot visit to Zilkke on Tuesday, Mutfwang addressed survivors gathered at a local primary school.
He stressed the importance of self-defence and vigilance while cautioning against acts of retaliation.
“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.
“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,” the governor said.
The governor assured the community of the state government’s commitment to rebuilding affected areas and supporting displaced persons.
He also urged youths to remain watchful, especially with the farming season approaching.
“This is not the time to lament or assign blame. It’s time to stand united and protect one another. The people who attacked us are not ghosts – they are known, and those shielding them are complicit,” he said.
The traditional ruler of the Irigwe ethnic group, Bra Ngwe Irigwe, Rt. Rev. Ronku Aka appreciated the governor’s visit and condemned the ongoing attacks aimed at displacing his people. He also called on residents to refrain from reprisals.
Before visiting the affected communities, Governor Mutfwang posted on X (formerly Twitter), affirming that efforts were ongoing to prevent future attacks.
He disclosed that he had convened a high-level security meeting in response to the incident.
“We are working diligently to establish what happened and why. We are in control of the situation and committed to doing whatever it takes to prevent further violence,” he said.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, also visited Plateau State on Tuesday, promising that those responsible for the attacks would soon be brought to justice.
He condemned the violence and acknowledged its devastating impact, particularly on farming communities.
He said additional security personnel and resources had been deployed to affected areas, and intelligence-gathering efforts intensified.
“These criminal elements have taken advantage of limited security presence in remote areas, but we are turning the tide. Their days are numbered,” Egbetokun assured.
Governor Mutfwang commended the police chief for his visit and expressed willingness to work closely with federal authorities to restore peace.
