Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has condemned a recent brutal and genocidal attack Binda in Tahos Village, Riyom Local Government Area attributed to suspected Fulani militias.
The governor’s visit to the scene of the tragedy, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 15, found him sympathizing with traumatized survivors and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
The heinous assault resulted in the loss of innocent lives, numerous injuries, and widespread destruction, including homes and a church.
Villagers also reported the looting of food items, exacerbating the community’s suffering.
Disturbing accounts from survivors indicated that a large number of armed assailants invaded Binda.
Eyewitnesses alleged that military operatives stationed merely 200 meters away failed to intervene effectively to prevent the carnage, and no arrests have been made in the aftermath of the incident.
Addressing the distraught residents, Mutfwang condemned the killings and assured them that his administration would not abandon them.
He pledged a thorough review of the state’s security framework to ensure that those tasked with protecting citizens fulfill their duties without compromise.
READ ALSO
“Let me promise you, by the grace of God, Riyom will not fall. We will deploy every resource at our disposal to end this genocide.
“This is not a case of farmer-herder conflict. This is terrorism; this is genocide, plain and simple. And I assure you, we will escalate this matter to the highest levels,” Mutfwang declared.
While acknowledging the efforts of ‘gallant soldiers’ defending Plateau communities, the governor also pointed out that ‘some bad elements within the security agencies must be identified and removed for peace to reign.’
He directly challenged the Sector Commander present at the scene, referencing past arrests in a soldier’s death, asking why no arrests were made in the recent attacks.
He demanded the immediate release of young men currently held unless there was concrete evidence to charge them.
Governor Mutfwang urged the affected communities to seek solace and assured them that the government would arrange dignified burials for the deceased and provide support to those whose homes were destroyed.
He also called on elders and youth to remain calm but vigilant, commending young people for their courage in defending their communities and pledging continued moral and other support to prevent displacement from ancestral lands.
He called on security agencies to cease ‘targeting scapegoats’ and instead pursue the actual perpetrators.
“I want to hear of arrests, not excuses. The era of so-called ‘unknown gunmen’ is over. These killers live among us and must be brought to justice. Let them serve as an example to deter others who plan to destabilize our communities,” he stated.
“To our security forces: you are not here on a peacekeeping mission. You are deployed to protect the lives and property of Nigerians. Anyone threatening these lives is an enemy of the state and must be treated accordingly,” Mutfwang emphasised.
Beyond Binda, Mutfwang also extended his visit to Gwong, Fang, Keng, and Rachi communities in Bachit District of Riyom LGA, all of which have recently endured similar deadly attacks.
He offered his sympathies and encouraged continued resilience in defending their heritage.
During the visit, Rev. Davou Musa, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Riyom LGA criticised the military for its perceived failure to protect residents.
He accused some military personnel of complicity by allegedly shielding the attackers and urged the Federal Government to intervene.
