Yemi Kosoko in Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, yesterday, visited Bin Mper community in Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area, where an attack on August 18, 2026 claimed several lives and left others injured.
The governor described the assault as barbaric, senseless and unacceptable, declaring that the tragedy was “a direct attack on my person.”
Mutfwang addressed grieving residents, particularly women, who gathered to receive him.
He said the killings struck at a time when the state had just strengthened its security architecture in collaboration with security agencies, including the new General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army.
“This is not an attack on the community alone, it is an attack on me. 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,” he said.
Mutfwang assured the community that his administration would intensify intelligence‑driven operations and adopt additional strategies to prevent further attacks on vulnerable areas.
Vowing that no citizen would be displaced from ancestral land under his watch, he said, “We will do everything within our powers to ensure that you remain on your land. Nobody will take over your land.”
The governor condoled with families, who lost loved ones and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
He commended Plateau youths for their courage and patriotism in supporting community‑level security efforts, urging them to remain peaceful, vigilant and law‑abiding.
He stressed that defeating insecurity required unity among communities, traditional institutions, government and security agencies.
Earlier, Mutfwang received a security briefing from the GOC 3 Division before proceeding to the community.
He later visited the Mishkagham Mwaghavul, His Royal Highness Da. John Putmang Hirse, to condole with the traditional ruler and the Mwaghavul Nation.
The monarch described the attack as senseless and deliberate, noting that residents were asleep when assailants struck.
“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.
President of the Mwaghavul Development Association Women’s Wing, Mrs. Grace Joseph Gora, also sympathised with bereaved families and appealed for calm while urging women to support government and security agencies in restoring peace.