Desperate Politicians Behind Plateau Killings — Mutfwang

Desperate Politicians Behind Plateau Killings — Mutfwang

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has alleged that the recurring wave of Plateau killings and insecurity in the state is being orchestrated by “desperate politicians” seeking to destabilise the region, particularly around election cycles.

The governor made the claim on Tuesday while addressing journalists during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Jos, stating that emerging intelligence and patterns of violence point strongly to political sponsorship rather than purely communal or religious causes.

“I make bold to say that the insecurity situation in Plateau State is being sponsored by desperate politicians who are out to destabilize the state,” Mutfwang said.

He noted that violent attacks in the state often intensify during election periods, describing the trend as a clear signal of political interference.

“If you notice, these attacks always peak during election cycles. What does that tell us? It is a clear indication that it is political; in fact, they are more political than terrorism,” he added.

Mutfwang cited historical and recent incidents to support his claim, including the deadly Dogo Nahawa massacre of March 7, 2010, where over 1,000 people were reportedly killed, and the March 29 attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, which claimed more than 30 lives.

He also referenced fresh attacks in Kanam, Wase, and Quan Pan Local Government Areas—communities largely populated by Muslims—arguing that such incidents undermine narratives that the violence is purely religiously driven.

READ ALSO:

• Wike Rejects Emotional Appeal, Defends Jabi Lake Redevelopment Plan
• Senate Erupts as Akpabio, Oshiomhole Clash Over Controversial Rule Amendments
• BREAKING: Dangote Refinery Raises Petrol Price to ₦1,350 Per Litre

“If this were about religion, why would people attack others who share the same faith?” the governor queried, suggesting instead that the violence is being manipulated for political ends.

According to him, preliminary investigations by security agencies and the state government indicate that certain actors are deliberately sponsoring unrest to create instability and influence political outcomes.

Beyond identifying political motives, Mutfwang acknowledged that insecurity in Plateau State is multifaceted, involving longstanding issues such as land disputes, farmer-herder conflicts, ethnic tensions, and weak enforcement of law and order.

He said his administration is working closely with security agencies to dismantle criminal networks, improve intelligence gathering, and strengthen community-based peacebuilding initiatives.

The governor also revealed that efforts are ongoing to enhance surveillance in rural communities, deploy more security personnel to flashpoints, and ensure swift response to emerging threats.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by providing timely and credible information, stressing that public support is crucial to ending the cycle of violence.

“We have discovered that these attacks are being sponsored by desperate politicians who are bent on destroying Plateau. But we will not allow that to happen,” he declared.

The remarks come amid renewed national concern over Nigeria insecurity, particularly in the North-Central region, where Plateau State has long experienced cycles of violence with devastating humanitarian consequences.

Security analysts say while political sponsorship may play a role, addressing the crisis will require a comprehensive strategy that tackles both immediate threats and underlying structural causes.

As investigations continue, attention is now focused on whether security agencies will identify and prosecute individuals allegedly behind the sponsorship of violence, a move many believe is critical to restoring lasting peace in Plateau State.

Desperate Politicians Behind Plateau Killings — Mutfwang