Zikke, Plateau State — April 14, 2025
In the wake of a deadly overnight attack that claimed over 50 lives in Zikke and Kimakpa villages in Kwall District, Miango, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday 15th April visited the grieving communities to commiserate with victims and assure them of government support
Speaking during his visit, Governor Mutfwang expressed deep sorrow over the incident, admitting that despite efforts made, the government fell short in preventing the tragedy.
“The whole nation mourns with you, the international community mourns with you. I have cried since yesterday,” the governor said emotionally. “All arrangements were put in place to avoid this, yet we failed you. On behalf of the government and security agencies, please forgive us.”
The governor condemned the continuous attacks that have plagued the Irigwe land and promised renewed commitment toward ending the violence. He lamented the state of infrastructure, including poor roads, attributing it to years of neglect due to insecurity and terrorism.
“We are more determined than ever to ensure that no more innocent blood is shed on the Plateau. There’s no reason for anyone to take the law into their hands,” he said. “While we continue to invest in security, communities must also rise to defend themselves. We can no longer afford to sleep while the enemy strikes at night.”
Governor Mutfwang urged communities to revive traditional security structures and called on youths to stay vigilant, especially during the upcoming farming season.
“This is not the time to lament or trade blame. It’s time to unite and protect one another. The people who attack us are not ghosts — they are known, and those shielding them are complicit,” he stated.
He also conveyed the assurances of President Bola Tinubu, promising federal support not just to survive, but to thrive in their ancestral land.
During the visit, the Bra Ngwe Irigwe, Rt. Rev. Ronku Aka, paramount ruler of the Irigwe ethnic group, appreciated the governor’s presence and condolences. He decried the consistent attempts to displace the Irigwe people through violence, and while urging restraint from acts of revenge, he emphasized the need for increased vigilance and proactive community security measures.
The governor addressed residents at a gathering held at the primary school in Zikke, where he reiterated his administration’s dedication to justice and lasting peace.
