By Golok Nanmwa, JOS
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has explained that he visited the scene of the deadly gunmen attack in Angwan Rukuba community aboard an armoured personnel carrier (APC) to gain height for effective voice projection and on the advice of security operatives.
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Mutfwang made the clarification on Friday during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today programme monitored by our correspondent days after a viral video showed him standing briefly through the roof hatch of the bulletproof vehicle shortly before addressing a large crowd of agitated residents who were angered over attacks on their community.
Mutfwang said “From the height I stood, part of the reason they put me in the ATC was for me to gain height in order to address the crowd.
”He added that as the chief security officer of the state, he acted on the guidance of security personnel amid the tense atmosphere created by the Palm Sunday night assault, which claimed at least 28 lives, with many others sustaining injuries.
Mutfwang, who was in Abuja attending an APC National Convention and security meetings when the attack occurred around rushed back to Jos and visited the scene the following day.
During the visit, he pleaded with residents not to take the law into their hands, assured them of justice for the perpetrators, and announced a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area.
He also pledged that the state government would sponsor the treatment of the injured and organise befitting burials for the deceased.
Mutfwang noted that short social media clips had misrepresented the full context of his engagement.
He disclosed that he spent most of his time about 90 per cent on the ground, viewing corpses, interacting with affected families and calming the situation, rather than the brief moment captured on video from the vehicle.
The governor added that the crowd later assured him of their safety, inviting him with chants of “come, come,” after which he engaged more directly with them.
Mutfwang who described the killings as “heinous,” “evil” and “senseless,” said he had not been able to sleep since receiving news of the incident.
He reiterated that Plateau would not bow to terror or intimidation.
Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s determination to restore peace and stability, noting that ongoing collaboration with the Federal Government will strengthen local efforts.
“We are resolute in rebuilding trust within our communities and restoring Plateau’s spirit of peace and hospitality,” he affirmed.
Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude for the President’s visit and assured him of the state government’s commitment to ending decades of violence.
He acknowledged the efforts of previous administrations, including those of Sen. Joshua Chibi Dariye, Sen. Jonah David Jang, and Sen. Simon Lalong, in tackling insecurity in the state.
He emphasised that his administration is leading efforts to unify stakeholders in order to decisively confront terrorism in the state
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