Governor Caleb Mutfwang has condemned the attack on Bin-mper community in Mangu council area, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.

Mr Mutfwang spoke on Thursday during a condolence visit to the community in Kombum District, where the attack reportedly claimed 24 lives.

The community was attacked on the night of Monday, with women and children among those killed.

“I condole with you all today and plead with you to take courage in the Lord,” stated the governor. “As a government, we take responsibility for failing to protect you. We plead that you please take heart.”

Mr Mutfwang described the killings as “a barbaric, senseless and evil display on innocent lives”, saying the attack also targeted his administration.

“It was not only an attack against your community but also an attack on me,” he said.

He described the incident as an affront to his person and the government’s collective resolve to protect lives and property.

Mr Mutfwang assured residents that his administration would strengthen existing security measures to prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities.

“This government would not relent in its determination to secure the state and create an environment conducive to the prosperity and well-being of its people,” he said.

He also assured residents that perpetrators of the attacks would not take over their ancestral lands.

“We will do everything within our powers to ensure that you remain on your land. Nobody will take over your land,” Mr Mutfwang said.

The governor said police had arrested some suspects, promising that the government would follow the matter to its logical conclusion.

Mr  Mutfwang visited the palace of the traditional ruler, Mishkagham Mwaghavul, Putmang Hirse. He assured the traditional institution and residents of President Bola Tinubu’s support, promising that the government would intensify efforts to end insurgency in Plateau.

Mr Hirse thanked the governor and his delegation for identifying with the Mwaghavul people during the difficult period. He described the attack as senseless and deliberate, saying the perpetrators appeared determined to inflict pain and destabilise the peaceful community.

“This is something we least expected; people were asleep when they were massacred,” Mr Hirse said.

(NAN)