Plateau Killings: ‘Nobody Will Take Over Your Land,’ Mutfwang Tells Mangu Community

JOS — Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has assured residents of Bin Mper community in Mangu Local Government Area that his administration will not allow their ancestral lands to be taken over following Tuesday’s deadly attack.

Mutfwang gave the assurance on Thursday during a condolence visit to the community, where he met victims, survivors and families of those killed in the attack on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Describing the assault as barbaric, senseless and unacceptable, the governor said the incident represented an attack not only on the community but also on him personally.

“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,” he said.

Mutfwang said security agencies had arrested some suspects and promised that the investigation and prosecution would be pursued to its logical conclusion.

“The police have said that some persons have been arrested, and we will follow the matter to its logical conclusion,” he said.

He added: “We will do everything within our powers to ensure that you remain on your land. Nobody will take over your land.”

According to the governor, the attack came at a time when the state government had been reviewing its security arrangements with security agencies, including the new GOC of 3 Division, Nigerian Army.

He said additional strategies would be introduced and existing security measures strengthened to protect vulnerable communities from further attacks.

The governor expressed sympathy to the families of those killed and prayed for injured victims to recover quickly. He assured the affected residents that the government would remain with them throughout the period of mourning and recovery.

Mutfwang also praised Plateau youths for their resilience, courage and patriotism, while urging them to remain peaceful, vigilant and law-abiding.

He called for closer cooperation between communities, traditional institutions, government and security agencies, saying the fight against insecurity required a collective and sustained effort.

The governor expressed optimism that Plateau would eventually defeat banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities threatening the state.

Governor demands intelligence-led operations

Before visiting the community, Mutfwang received a security briefing from Major General Maxwell Dangana, the GOC of 3 Division, Nigerian Army.

The governor called for proactive, intelligence-driven and coordinated security operations to protect vulnerable communities and prevent attacks before they happen.

He subsequently visited the Mishkagham Mwaghavul, His Royal Highness Da. John Putmang Hirse, where he condoled with the traditional ruler, bereaved families and the wider Mwaghavul community.

Mutfwang assured the monarch that his administration would not abandon the people and would continue working with security agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen the state’s security architecture.

Mwaghavul monarch condemns attack

The Mishkagham Mwaghavul thanked the governor for identifying with the people during their moment of grief.

Hirse described the attack as deliberate and senseless, saying the perpetrators appeared intent on causing pain and destabilising the 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.

He pledged that the Mwaghavul people would remain peaceful and law-abiding, insisting that intimidation would not force them to abandon their ancestral land.

Also speaking, Mrs Grace Joseph Gora, President of the Mwaghavul Development Association Women’s Wing, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and condemned the attack.

She appealed to women in the community to remain calm and cooperate with government and security agencies as efforts continue to tackle insecurity and prevent further attacks.

The governor’s delegation included Dr Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central Nigeria, as well as senior government officials and heads of security agencies in Plateau State.

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