Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has come forward to clarify the circumstances surrounding his recent visit to the Angwan Rukuba community, following the tragic gunmen attack that has left the region in mourning. Speaking during a broadcast on Friday, the Governor addressed the viral footage of him standing inside an armored personnel carrier, explaining that the decision was a tactical one made on the advice of security experts to ensure he could effectively reach the large, grieving crowd.
Governor Mutfwang noted that the tense atmosphere following the Palm Sunday night assault—which resulted in the loss of at least 28 lives—required a strategic approach to communication. As the state’s chief security officer, he followed the guidance of his security detail, who suggested using the vehicle’s height to allow his voice to carry across the agitated gathering. He expressed concern that short, context-free clips on social media had painted a misleading picture of his engagement with the people.
The Governor emphasized that the vast majority of his time at the scene was spent on the ground. He recounted walking among the residents, viewing the remains of the deceased, and personally consoling families who had lost their loved ones. Far from being distant, he noted that the residents eventually signaled their trust, inviting him to move closer with chants of “come, come,” which led to a more direct and emotional interaction.
The Governor, who had been in Abuja for high-level security meetings and a national convention when the “heinous and senseless” violence broke out, rushed back to Jos immediately to manage the crisis. During his visit, he made a passionate plea for peace, urging citizens not to take the law into their own hands while promising that justice would be served. To help stabilize the situation, he announced a 48-hour curfew in Jos North and pledged that the state government would cover the medical bills of the injured and organize honorable burials for the victims.
Reflecting on the weight of the tragedy, Mutfwang admitted that he has struggled to find sleep since the news broke, describing the killings as an act of pure evil. However, he remained firm in his stance that Plateau State would never bow to the whims of terrorists or those seeking to intimidate peaceful communities. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rebuilding trust and restoring the state’s long-standing reputation for hospitality and peace.
The Governor also expressed his appreciation for the Federal Government’s support and the recent presidential visit, noting that a unified front is essential to ending decades of recurring violence. While acknowledging the past efforts of former governors like Joshua Dariye, Jonah Jang, and Simon Lalong, Mutfwang stressed that his administration is focused on bringing all stakeholders together to find a permanent solution to the security challenges facing the state.
