Governor Caleb Mutfwang announces strict new measures as death toll from latest violence surpasses 50
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has imposed an immediate ban on night grazing and restricted motorcycle use across the state following coordinated attacks that left over 50 dead in Bassa Local Government Area. In a statewide address Wednesday, the governor described the killings as “systematic acts of terror” and unveiled tough new security measures effective immediately.
The new restrictions prohibit all night grazing of cattle, ban the transportation of livestock by vehicle after 7pm, and restrict motorcycle operations between 7pm and 6am statewide. “Enough is enough,” Mutfwang declared, referencing previous massacres in Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi and Mangu. “Plateau shall not be overrun by fear, nor shall we accept this culture of bloodshed as normal.”
Survivors of Sunday’s attack on Kimakpa village recounted harrowing experiences to journalists. Peter John, 25, described hiding on his roof as attackers shouting “Allahu Akbar” killed his sister and niece. “They were shooting indiscriminately,” he said from his hospital bed, where his nephew was being treated for machete wounds. Other survivors reported failed attempts to contact vigilante groups during the assault, with one noting the first victim was a patrolling vigilante member.
The governor dismissed simple farmer-herder conflict narratives, calling the violence “a premeditated campaign with external sponsors.” His administration is now authorizing community night patrols in coordination with security forces. The latest bloodshed follows December’s Christmas Eve massacre that left 200 dead and comes as 64 Plateau communities reportedly remain under armed group control.
