Plateau Killings: NGF condoles Mutfwang, call for end to bloodshed
…Urges dialogue, unity as Gov blames foreign attackers
A delegation of Nigerian governors, under the banner of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), visited Plateau State on Thursday to commiserate with Governor Caleb Mutfwang, following the recent wave of deadly attacks across parts of the state. The governors called for an urgent cessation of the violence that has claimed several lives and disrupted communities.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who said the visit was intended to convey solidarity with the government and people of Plateau State in the wake of what he described as a “security breach” affecting some areas.
“On behalf of the NGF and the people of our various states, I bring sincere condolences over the tragic incidents in which many of our compatriots have lost their lives,” Abdulrazaq said.
He acknowledged the efforts of the security agencies for their timely response, but noted that lasting peace would require collective action and unity across Plateau’s diverse communities.
“We are appealing to leaders and influencers from all backgrounds—traditional, political, religious—to stand with the governor in fostering unity and rebuilding trust. Everyone must take a firm stance against any form of violence. We encourage the good people of Plateau to approach their differences with dialogue, fair-minded discussions, mutual understanding, and a willingness to listen to one another,” he said.
Governor Abdulrazaq also expressed concern that continued unrest would put a strain on the state’s considerable economic prospects.
“Real development cannot thrive in a climate of instability. Plateau has vast potential in agriculture and tourism, but those opportunities risk being overshadowed if violence or the fear of it becomes a defining feature of the state,” he cautioned.
Responding to the delegation, Governor Mutfwang expressed deep appreciation for the visit, saying the gesture from his fellow governors offered comfort and renewed strength amid a difficult time.
“I want to sincerely thank my brother-governors for standing with us in this moment of grief. Your visit has been a great source of encouragement to me personally, and to the people of Plateau. It reaffirms our shared commitment to protecting lives and restoring peace,” he said.
Governor Mutfwang reiterated his determination to secure the state, attributing many of the recent attacks to external actors who, he suggested, are operating from beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“We have strong reason to believe that many of the assailants are not Nigerians. That is why we are calling for much tighter border controls. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the support the federal government has provided during the crisis, describing the intervention as timely and helpful.
Among those who accompanied Governor Abdulrazaq on the condolence visit were Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe.
