Plateau violence politically motivated, says Mutfwang

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has alleged that the persistent attacks in parts of the state are politically motivated, declaring his administration’s determination to end what he described as acts of terrorism.

Mutfwang made the remarks during an interview with the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of News Central, Kayode Akintemi, at the Government House in Jos on Tuesday.

This was contained in a statement by the Director of Commercial and Communications, News Central TV, Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, Wednesday.

The governor’s comments come amid fresh attacks in several Plateau communities, particularly in Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, where recurring killings and displacement of residents have continued to raise concerns over insecurity in the North-Central region.

Plateau State has for years witnessed violent clashes linked to farmer-herder conflicts, land disputes and ethno-religious tensions, with successive administrations struggling to restore lasting peace in affected communities.

Speaking during the interview, Mutfwang said the pattern and persistence of the attacks suggested interests beyond communal conflicts, linking the crisis to emerging political developments ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We believe there is a political motive behind it, because the time has come when we must disaggregate the different tendencies within Nigeria,” he said.

The governor suggested that the timing of the violence and the evolv ing political atmosphere in the country could be interconnected.

Describing the attacks as “pure acts of terrorism,” Mutfwang vowed that his administration would take decisive steps to restore peace and security across the state.

“I want to tell you that the homogeneous communities of the Middle Belt have quietly decided that by 2027, they will take their destinies into their hands, and many people will not be comfortable with it, particularly the political elite,” he added.

He also dismissed criticisms from opposition figures regarding his administration’s handling of insecurity, insisting that the security challenges confronting Plateau were more complex than often portrayed in public discourse.

Earlier, Akintemi said the visit by News Central formed part of the organisation’s commitment to developmental journalism and amplifying the voices of communities affected by violent conflict.

“We have come to Jos to amplify the voices of the people of the Middle Belt who have suffered fatal losses and endured trauma that even some war-torn nations may not experience,” he said.