Mutfwang: Mangu Attack an Affront to My Government, Vows to Secure Ancestral Lands

 

Timescope News 

MANGU, Plateau State — Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has visited the Bin Mper community in Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area, following the deadly attack on August 18, 2026, which claimed several lives and left many others injured.

During the visit, Governor Mutfwang condemned the incident as barbaric, senseless, and utterly unacceptable, while offering his condolences to bereaved families and the wider community. He stressed that the assault was not merely an attack on the village but a direct challenge to his administration's resolve to protect lives and property.

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

The Governor assured residents that his government would reinforce existing security protocols and deploy additional strategies to prevent future assaults on vulnerable communities. He confirmed that security agencies had already launched investigations and arrested several suspects, vowing that the case would be pursued to its logical conclusion.

Reaffirming the state's commitment to safeguarding ancestral heritage, Mutfwang said: “We will do everything within our powers to ensure that you remain on your land. Nobody will take over your land.”

He called for stronger collaboration among communities, traditional institutions, government bodies, and security forces in the fight against insecurity, and urged Plateau youths to remain peaceful, vigilant, and law-abiding while supporting legitimate security efforts.

Earlier, the Governor received a security briefing from the General Officer Commanding the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, during which he called for proactive, intelligence-driven, and coordinated operations to shield vulnerable communities from further attacks.

Mutfwang also paid a visit to the Mishkagham Mwaghavul, Da John Putmang Hirse, to commiserate with the traditional institution and the bereaved families. The royal father thanked the Governor for standing with the people in their moment of grief, described the attack as senseless and deliberate, and affirmed that the Mwaghavul people would remain peaceful, resilient, and unwilling to abandon their ancestral lands despite intimidation.

Speaking on behalf of women, the President of the Mwaghavul Development Association Women’s Wing, Mrs. Grace Joseph Gora, sympathised with the affected families and appealed to residents—especially women—to remain calm and support ongoing efforts to restore security.

Governor Mutfwang, accompanied by senior government officials, security chiefs, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Dr. Abiodun Esiet, reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to strengthening security and protecting communities across Plateau State. He pledged continued partnership with security agencies and stakeholders to restore lasting peace and ensure that citizens can live safely on their ancestral lands.