Nigeria: Plateau Killings: Governor Mutfwang cries out, labels attacks as genocidal and sponsored

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has condemned the recent spate of killings and destruction in the region, describing the attacks as genocidal in nature and claiming they are being sponsored by terrorist groups. Over 50 people have been killed and thousands displaced in recent weeks in the North-Central state.

The assailants struck in several communities in the Bokkos Local Government Area of the state, displacing many and leaving a trail of destruction behind. The attacks are the latest in a series of assaults on Plateau, which has, in the past, recorded similar incidents. Some have linked it to the fight for resources between farmers and herders, but Mutfwang believes the attacks on the state are beyond fighting for limited resources and has likened it to terrorism 

Mutfwang expressed his outrage over the violence, saying, “I can tell you in all honesty that I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists.” He further called on the security agencies to investigate the origins of the attacks, asking, “The question is, who are the persons behind the organisers of this terrorism? This is what the security agencies must help us to unravel.”

The governor’s comments come after a series of assaults on Plateau, which has been the site of recurring violence. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited Plateau earlier this week and vowed to take decisive action to end the killings. Ribadu promised that security agencies would work together to address the situation and bring an end to the violence

The violence is believed to have affected more than 64 communities, particularly in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom Local Government Areas. Mutfwang warned that the situation is being fueled by external forces, describing the attacks as more than just conflicts over resources. “This is being sponsored from somewhere,” he said, stressing that these are not isolated incidents but part of a larger agenda aimed at destabilizing the region.

The ongoing violence in Plateau State has raised concerns about the safety and security of the region. The governor’s call for action and the security agencies’ commitment to investigating the attacks and bringing the perpetrators to justice are crucial steps towards restoring peace and stability in the area.