Mangu Attack Was ‘Barbaric, Senseless and Evil’ – Mutfwang

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has condemned the attack on Bin-mper community in the Mangu Local Government Area, describing it as “barbaric, senseless and evil” and vowing to strengthen security measures to prevent future incidents.

Mutfwang spoke on Thursday during a condolence visit to the community in Kombum District, where the attack on the night of August 18 reportedly claimed 24 lives, with women and children among those killed.

“I condole with you all today and plead with you to take courage in the Lord. As a government, we take responsibility for failing to protect you. We plead that you please take heart,” Mutfwang said.

Mutfwang described the killings as “a barbaric, senseless and evil display on innocent lives,” saying the attack also targeted his administration.

“It was not only an attack against your community but also an attack on me,” he said, describing the incident as an affront to his person and the government’s collective resolve to protect lives and property.

The governor assured residents that his administration would strengthen existing security measures to prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities.

“This government would not relent in its determination to secure the state and create an environment conducive to the prosperity and well-being of its people,” he said.

Mutfwang said police had arrested some suspects, promising that the government would follow the matter to its logical conclusion.

He also assured residents that perpetrators of the attacks would not take over their ancestral lands.

“We will do everything within our powers to ensure that you remain on your land. Nobody will take over your land,” Mutfwang said.

Earlier, Mutfwang visited the palace of the traditional ruler, Mishkagham Mwaghavul, Da Putmang Hirse, accompanied by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Abiodun Esiet.

Hirse described the attack as “senseless and deliberate,” saying the perpetrators appeared determined to inflict pain and destabilise the peaceful community.

“This is something we least expected; people were asleep when they were massacred,” Hirse said.

He said Mangu remained one of the most peaceful local government areas, where residents lived peacefully with neighbours and accommodated visitors.

“Yet, we were attacked,” he said, while assuring that the Mwaghavul people would remain resilient, peaceful and law-abiding.

“No amount of intimidation would force us to abandon our ancestral land or undermine our resolve to live peacefully in our communities,” he said.