Residents of Plateau State have urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to move beyond repeated condolence messages and take stronger measures to address the wave of attacks and killings across the state.
The call followed a violent weekend in which about 21 people were reportedly killed in separate attacks between Friday, September 11, and Sunday, September 13, across Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South Local Government Areas.
The attacks were reportedly carried out by suspected Fulani extremists and local militia groups.
Reacting to the incidents on Monday, Mutfwang condemned the killings and reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security and restoring peace across Plateau.
The governor said the attacks were particularly disturbing given ongoing efforts by the state government to work with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to improve the state’s security architecture.
According to him, the government’s strategy includes sustained dialogue, intelligence sharing, community engagement and other proactive measures aimed at preventing further violence.
Mutfwang maintained that peace remained a priority of his administration, stressing that protecting lives and property was central to its efforts to rebuild trust and create a secure environment for residents.
He also assured residents that security agencies were pursuing those responsible for the latest attacks and would apprehend them.
The governor said his administration remained committed to creating conditions where residents could farm, travel, invest and carry out their livelihoods without fear.
However, residents who participated in a radio programme on Monday evening expressed dissatisfaction with the governor’s response, arguing that repeated statements condemning attacks had done little to stop the violence.
Some callers criticised what they described as a recurring pattern in the governor’s public statements, saying similar assurances had been issued after previous attacks without producing the desired security outcomes.
Social activist Nanle Bamshak accused Mutfwang of paying greater attention to his political future than the security situation in the state.
“I am highly and seriously disappointed by Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, especially in his handling of security issues in the state. This is a man we supported and voted for massively because we all thought he would bring an end to violence and killings in the state.
“But what we now have is a situation where he has abandoned the same people who trusted and believed in him. All he is concerned at the moment is to consolidate his political career and re-election in 2027 despite the killings which are now almost a daily affair.”
Another caller, Peter Alamba, said residents were becoming frustrated with what he described as repeated rhetorical responses from the state government.
“We are tired of Gov. Caleb Mutfwang’s regular and rhetorical press statements and condolence messages whenever our people are killed by terrorists. We need proactive action to stop the cycle of violence and killings and not condolence messages and fake assurances of fighting insecurity in the state.”
Polycarp Bitrus also criticised the governor’s handling of the security situation, alleging that communities were being attacked while the government remained focused on political considerations.
“I am disappointed in Gov. Caleb Mutfwang and the way he is handling insecurity in the state. People are being killed every day, communities are being sacked and occupied by Fulani bandits but our governor is only concerned with his political ambition, only to come out with the same scripted press statement. It is quite pathetic, to say the least.”
Another caller, John Fadung, said the governor had disappointed some of his former supporters, accusing him of prioritising political interests over the welfare of residents.
“Gov. Caleb Mutfwang has really disappointed those of us who supported him and stood by him when he was contesting in 2023. We weathered every storm, took insults and bullets for him. Even when he defected to the APC, we still supported him but now, he has derailed and has shown that he is a typical Nigerian politician who only cares about his political career and not a true leader who has the interest of the people at heart.”
The reactions highlight growing pressure on the Plateau State Government to translate its assurances on security into concrete measures as attacks continue to raise concerns among residents.
