Plateau gov visits scene of deadly attack, promises tighter security

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited the Bin Mper Community in Mangu Local Government Area to commiserate with residents following a brutal attack that claimed 25 lives and left several others injured. The governor, who arrived on Thursday, described the incident, which occurred on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, as "barbaric, senseless and unacceptable."

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This is not an attack on the community alone; it is an attack on me.

Governor Mutfwang assured the community that his administration would enhance security measures to prevent further attacks. He emphasized that the killings were a direct challenge to the government's commitment to protecting lives and property. "I will never let you down," he told the paramount ruler of Mangu, Da John Putmang Hirse, vowing to defeat banditry and criminality in the state.

The governor also highlighted that the attack occurred shortly after a security review meeting with military and security agencies. He pledged to adopt additional strategies and strengthen existing measures to safeguard vulnerable communities, assuring residents, "Nobody will take over your land."

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We will do everything within our powers to ensure that you remain on your land. Nobody will take over your land.

Da John Putmang Hirse, the Mishkagham Mwaghavul, described the attack as "senseless and deliberate," noting that victims were asleep when they were massacred. He lamented that Mangu, a peaceful area where residents coexist harmoniously, had been targeted. The traditional ruler affirmed the Mwaghavul people's commitment to peace and law-abiding conduct, stating that intimidation would not force them from their ancestral land.

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I will never let you down.

Governor Mutfwang commended Plateau youths for their support in safeguarding communities and urged them to remain peaceful and vigilant while cooperating with security agencies. He stressed that addressing insecurity requires collective effort.

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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.