GOVERNOR MUTFWANG VISITS ATTACK COMMUNITY IN MANGU, CONDOLES BEREAVED FAMILIES, EXPRESSES DETERMINATION TO PROTECT PLATEAU HERITAGE

...Says the Attack is an Attack Directly on His Person

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has visited the people of Bin Mper Community in Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area, following the deadly attack on the community on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, which claimed lives and left others injured.

Governor Mutfwang, while addressing the people of the community, particularly women, expressed deep pain and sympathy over the tragic incident, describing the attack as barbaric, senseless and unacceptable.

He said the loss of innocent lives was not only an attack on the affected community but also a direct affront to his person and the collective resolve of the Plateau State Government to protect the lives and property of its citizens.

The Governor assured the people that his administration would adopt additional strategies and strengthen existing security measures to prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities, stressing that the 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 the attack occurred at a time when the government had reviewed its security architecture in collaboration with security agencies, including the new General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army, and other relevant authorities, with a renewed focus on protecting lives and property and preventing attacks on vulnerable communities.

“This is not an attack on the community alone; it is an attack on me. I pray that God will grant you peace and comfort. The police have said that some persons have been arrested, and we will follow the matter to its logical conclusion.

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

Governor Mutfwang condoled with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the attack and prayed for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries, assuring the affected community that the government would continue to stand with them in their moment of grief.

He commended the courage, resilience and patriotism of Plateau youths who have continued to support efforts to safeguard their communities, urging them to remain peaceful, vigilant and law-abiding while working closely with constituted authorities.

The Governor emphasised that the fight against insecurity requires unity and strong collaboration among communities, traditional institutions, government and security agencies. He expressed confidence that, through collective resolve and sustained security operations, Plateau State would prevail over banditry, terrorism and other criminal elements threatening the peace of the state.

Earlier, Governor Mutfwang received a security briefing from the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army, where he called for more proactive, intelligence-driven and coordinated measures to protect vulnerable communities and prevent attacks before they occur.

The Governor also paid a sympathy visit to the Mishkagham Mwaghavul, His Royal Highness, Da. John Putmang Hirse, where he condoled with the bereaved families and the entire Mwaghavul Nation over the tragic incident.

He assured the traditional ruler and the people that he would never let them down, stressing that his administration remained resolute in its determination to defeat banditry and all forms of criminality in the state.

Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to working closely with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen the security architecture across Plateau State. He expressed confidence in the professionalism, dedication and commitment of the security agencies to restoring and sustaining peace and protecting the lives and property of citizens.

Responding, the Mishkagham Mwaghavul, His Royal Highness, Da. John Putmang Hirse, appreciated Governor Mutfwang for the visit and identifying with the people in their moment of grief.

He described the attack as senseless and deliberate, noting that the perpetrators appeared determined to inflict pain and destabilise a peaceful community.

“This is something we least expected. People were asleep when they were massacred. Mangu is one of the most peaceful Local Government Areas. We live peacefully with our neighbours and accommodate visitors, yet we were attacked,” he said.

Da. Putmang Hirse assured that the Mwaghavul people would remain resilient, peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that no amount of intimidation would force them to abandon their ancestral land or undermine their resolve to live peacefully in their communities.

Also speaking, the President of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) Women’s Wing, Mrs. Grace Joseph Gora, expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved families and described the attack as unacceptable.

She appealed to the women to remain calm and peaceful while supporting government and security agencies in their efforts to address insecurity and prevent further attacks in the state.

Governor Mutfwang's visit underscores the determination of his administration to stand firmly with communities affected by insecurity, protect the territorial integrity of Plateau State and preserve the heritage and ancestral lands of its people, while ensuring that every citizen can live safely and peacefully in their communities.

The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Dr. Mrs. Abiodun Esiet; top government officials; and heads of security agencies in the state.

Gyang Musa Bere, PhD

Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State

August 20, 2026