Plateau gov visits scene of deadly attack, promises tighter security

File: Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has visited Bin Mper Community in Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area following a gunmen’s attack that killed 25 people and injured several others.

The attack occurred on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, with the governor visiting the community on Thursday to commiserate with residents and families of the victims.

Mutfwang, who addressed the community, described the attack as “barbaric, senseless and unacceptable,” assuring residents that his administration would strengthen security measures to prevent further attacks.

“This is not an attack on the community alone; it is an attack on me,” the governor said.

“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.”

Mutfwang said the killing of innocent residents was a direct challenge to the government’s resolve to protect lives and property in the state.

He assured residents that the government would “adopt additional strategies and strengthen existing security measures to prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities.”

The governor said the attack occurred shortly after the state government and security agencies reviewed the state’s security architecture with the new General Officer Commanding, 3 Division, Nigerian Army.

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

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Earlier, Mutfwang received a security briefing from the GOC, during which he called for more proactive, intelligence-driven and coordinated measures to protect vulnerable communities and prevent attacks.

He also visited the paramount ruler of Mangu, the Mishkagham Mwaghavul, Da John Putmang Hirse, to sympathise with him over the killings.

“I will never let you down,” Mutfwang told the traditional ruler, adding, “My administration remains resolute in its determination to defeat banditry and all forms of criminality in the state.”

Responding, Hirse described the attack as “senseless and deliberate,” saying the victims were asleep when they were killed.

“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.

The traditional ruler assured that the Mwaghavul people would remain peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that “no amount of intimidation would force them to abandon their ancestral land.”

Mutfwang also commended Plateau youths for supporting efforts to safeguard their communities and urged them to remain peaceful, vigilant and law-abiding while working with security agencies.

He said addressing insecurity required cooperation among communities, traditional institutions, government and security agencies.

The governor condoled with the families of the victims and prayed for the recovery of those injured in the attack.