Governor Mutfwang: Killers in Bassa massacre are known, not ghosts

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has declared that the perpetrators of the gruesome massacre of over 50 people in Bassa Local Government Area are not unknown and must be held accountable for their actions.

His remarks followed a visit to the Zilke and Kimakpa villages in Kwall District of Miango, which were attacked on Monday, April 14, 2025, by suspected Fulani militia.

Speaking during the condolence visit on Tuesday, Mutfwang stated firmly, “Those behind these attacks are not invisible—they are known, and anyone protecting them is equally guilty.”

The governor’s comment echoed sentiments earlier expressed by former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah David Jang, who criticized the federal government’s response to the ongoing violence.

Jang had described the killings not as communal clashes, as stated by President Bola Tinubu, but as a targeted genocide by a known group with a sinister agenda.

“The attacks in Plateau State are not merely communal disputes; they are perpetrated by a known group with a specific agenda,” Jang said, while urging the President to acknowledge the true nature of the violence in order to respond appropriately.

Despite acknowledging that the perpetrators are known, both Mutfwang and Jang stopped short of naming individuals or groups, nor did they specify when or how the culprits would be apprehended.

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During his visit, Governor Mutfwang offered a heartfelt apology to the people of Bassa, acknowledging the failure of government and security agencies to prevent the attack.

“I will tell you the truth: I have been crying since yesterday because I had trusted God that all the arrangements were put in place, that this will not happen again. We have made investments in security,” he said at the palace of the Brangwe of Irigwe land, Ronku Aka.

“But like all human arrangements, sometimes they fail. I want to admit that on Sunday night into Monday morning, we failed you. Please, forgive me.”

He emphasized that the pain of the massacre reverberated beyond Plateau State, saying, “The entire nation stands with you in mourning and so does the international community.”

The governor described the killings and destruction of property as heartbreaking and devastating, noting that despite all efforts to secure the region, the attacks still occurred.

He urged the people not to lose hope, but to remain vigilant and proactive in assisting security agencies.

“Don’t relent in your efforts to secure your communities. Complement the work of security operatives by providing timely information. Let us work together to expose these criminals and their sponsors.”

Mutfwang also lamented the deteriorating infrastructure in the region, a situation worsened by years of insecurity and government neglect. He pledged renewed efforts to rebuild the affected communities and ensure sustainable peace.

The attack on Bassa is the latest in a string of deadly assaults across Plateau State, which has been plagued by recurrent violence between farming communities and suspected herdsmen.