By Stephen Simon
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has vowed that his administration will take decisive steps to protect communities across the state and prevent anyone from taking over their ancestral lands following the deadly attack on Bin Mper community in Mangu Local Government Area.
Mutfwang made the pledge on Thursday during a visit to Bin Mper in Kombun District, where he commiserated with residents and families of victims of the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
The governor described the incident as barbaric, senseless and unacceptable, saying the attack was not only an assault on the community but also a challenge to his administration.
“This is not an attack on the community alone; it is an attack on me,” Mutfwang said, while assuring residents that his government would deploy every available resource to protect them and secure their ancestral homeland.
He disclosed that the police had arrested some suspects in connection with the incident and promised that the government would closely monitor the investigation to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
Mutfwang explained that the attack occurred despite ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture in partnership with security agencies. He said his administration had recently reviewed its security strategy with relevant authorities, including the new General Officer Commanding, 3 Division, Nigerian Army.
According to him, additional measures would be introduced to reinforce security around vulnerable communities and improve the ability of security agencies to detect and prevent attacks before they occur.
The governor expressed condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the recovery of residents who sustained injuries. He also praised Plateau youths for their courage and commitment to protecting their communities, urging them to remain peaceful, vigilant and law-abiding.
He stressed that defeating insecurity would require sustained cooperation between local communities, traditional rulers, the government and security agencies. Mutfwang expressed optimism that Plateau State would eventually overcome banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities threatening its peace.
Before visiting the affected community, the governor received a security briefing from the GOC, 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Maxwell Dangana. During the briefing, he called for proactive, intelligence-led and coordinated security operations aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and preventing attacks rather than merely responding after they occur.
Mutfwang also paid a condolence visit to the Mishkagham Mwaghavul, His Royal Highness Da. John Putmang Hirse, where he met with the traditional ruler, bereaved families and representatives of the Mwaghavul community.
He assured the monarch that the state government would remain committed to protecting the people and would not abandon communities facing security threats. He reiterated his determination to work closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen the state’s security framework.
In his response, Da. John Putmang Hirse thanked the governor for visiting the community during its period of mourning. He described the attack as deliberate and senseless, noting that the victims were attacked while asleep.
The traditional ruler said the incident was particularly painful because Mangu had a reputation for peaceful coexistence with neighbouring communities and for accommodating visitors.
He nevertheless assured that the Mwaghavul people would remain peaceful and law-abiding, insisting that intimidation would not force them to abandon their ancestral lands.
The President of the Mwaghavul Development Association Women’s Wing, Mrs Grace Joseph Gora, also condemned the attack and sympathised with the affected families. She urged women in the community to remain calm and support ongoing efforts by the government and security agencies to restore lasting peace.
Mutfwang was accompanied during the visit by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central Nigeria, Dr Abiodun Essiet, senior government officials and heads of security agencies in Plateau State.
