Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has called on elders, politicians, and stakeholders across Plateau State to set aside their differences and unite in the fight against the recurring violence that continues to claim lives in the region.
The governor made the appeal during an expanded stakeholders meeting held at the Government House in Jos, convened in response to recent attacks in Bokkos, Mangu, Bassa, and other local government areas.
He described the renewed wave of killings as a tragic setback, particularly following a period of relative calm from January 2024 to February 2025. He noted that the insecurity predated his administration, highlighting its persistence through successive governments.
“You are aware of the events of the last three weeks, which have once again pushed our state to the front burner of national discourse—unfortunately, for the wrong reasons.
“I thank God that from January 2024 till February 2025, even though there were sporadic incidents here and there, we did not experience anything close to the magnitude of what has recently occurred—first in a community called Ruwi in Bokkos, and then it spread to other parts. Just over 10 days ago, it extended into Bassa Local Government Area. At the last count, we have probably lost well over 100 people,” he said.
“This crisis did not begin during my tenure. I recall, even before I got involved in politics, that there were already issues of insecurity. These eventually led President Obasanjo to declare a state of emergency on the Plateau during the tenure of His Excellency, Chief Joshua Dariye.”
According to Mutfwang, the sustained instability has inflicted a heavy toll on the state—from lives lost to the destruction of farmlands, declining food production, and damage to Plateau’s reputation. He lamented that even areas once considered safe are now vulnerable.
“Right from the time the Jos Main Market was destroyed till now we’ll find that even our food production has been on the decline. Recently, we began to take stock of farmlands our people can no longer cultivate because doing so comes at the risk of their lives.”
“In the Northern Zone, perhaps the only local government that might appear relatively calm is Jos North. But that does not mean Jos North has been spared. One of the most dangerous cultic groups—Sarasuka—operates there, and we have been trying to tackle them. That cult group has taken many lives,” he added.
He questioned the motive and backing of the attackers, emphasizing that the crisis demands a bipartisan and united response.
“Why us? Who is behind this? Where are they coming from? Who is sponsoring them? What is their aim? These are questions I thought I should not answer alone. I felt I should gather the leaders of Plateau so we can put our heads together. For how long shall this continue?”
Mutfwang maintained that military and security responses alone are insufficient, stressing the need for political unity to safeguard the state’s future.
“Perhaps one reason this has persisted is because we have, for a long time, failed to come together as Plateau people to speak with one voice.
“When this crisis started, it was seen as a Tarok problem. Later, it became a Berom problem. Today, none of us has been spared but it seems we are still acting like every man for himself.”
He praised recent efforts by some leaders who have spoken up in defense of the state and encouraged others to do the same to counter negative narratives.
“Our people are bleeding. Our people are crying. Our people are weeping,” he said, adding that the security challenges have disrupted his administration’s goal of economic upliftment.
“For me, my main objective in government is to break the cycle of poverty and lift our people into prosperity. But we cannot move forward unless we tame this elephant in the room that has haunted our state for the last two to three decades.”
Mutfwang also challenged the dominant framing of the crisis as farmer-herder clashes, arguing that such narratives fail to capture the full scope of the violence.
“I ask you, sir, is that true? Otherwise, how can bandits occupy the Wase grazing reserve, and someone calls that a clash? How can they be in forests in Kanam, and someone says it is a clash?
“When it happened in December 2023 in Bokkos, when gunmen attacked defenseless communities with sophisticated weapons on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, what clash was that?” he asked.
He warned that without urgent unity, Plateau’s political relevance could be compromised, and its heritage further eroded by violence and division. He pledged that his government would listen to all inputs and act accordingly.
“There is enough time between now and 2027. When the time comes, we politicians will do what we know how to do. But if there’s no Plateau, who will we represent?
“Let’s think together. Let’s act together. Let’s speak together so the world knows that Plateau has reached a turning point. Let’s reclaim this land, preserve it, and nurture it for the benefit of future generations.
“Be rest assured: standing before you is nothing more than a servant to push your agenda—the agenda of Plateau,” he said.
