‘Enough of condolence messages; do something or step aside’ — Plateau residents blast Mutfwang over killings

A cross-section of residents in Plateau State have told Governor Caleb Mutfwang to take proactive measures against the violent attacks and killings currently ravaging the state instead of reeling out what they described as scripted condolence messages every time innocent people are killed by terrorists.

Following a bloody weekend between Friday, September 11, and Sunday, September 13, when about 21 people were reportedly killed in attacks in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South Local Government Areas by suspected Fulani extremists and local militia gangs, Mutfwang, in a statement on Monday, condemned the killings and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace and security in the state.

The governor stated that the incidents were not only deeply disturbing but came at a time when the state government was collaborating with security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen the peace and security architecture of the state through sustained dialogue, intelligence sharing, community engagement and other proactive measures.

Mutfwang also said peace remained a priority of his administration, while the protection of lives and property remained fundamental to its vision of rebuilding trust, restoring confidence and creating a secure environment for citizens.

He added that his administration was committed to creating conditions where citizens could live, farm, travel, invest and pursue their livelihoods without fear, while assuring that security operatives were on the trail of the perpetrators and would soon catch up with them.

However, despite the assurances from the governor, callers to a radio programme on Monday evening were not impressed, with many saying the government had failed in its primary duty of protecting the lives and property of the people.

Some others condemned what they described as a regular pattern and phraseology in Mutfwang’s statements, which they said were always dusted off and delivered with the same assurances, with nothing being done in the end.

First to fire the salvo was social activist Nanle Bamshak, who accused Mutfwang of neglecting his duties to focus on his re-election in 2027.

“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:

“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 had this to say:

“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.”

John Fadung also called in and said:

“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.”