Governor Caleb Mutfwang has criticised the military over its failure to arrest those responsible for the latest attack in Tahos village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, insisting the killers “are not spirits.”
Speaking during a visit to the affected communities on Wednesday, July 16, Mutfwang questioned why no suspects had been apprehended despite a nearby military post.
“We cannot continue like this. These attackers are not spirits, real people carried out these atrocities and vanished without a trace,” the governor said.
He directed his frustration at the sector commander in charge of the area. “Sector Commander, you were in command when suspects were arrested over a soldier’s death.
“Why are there no arrests today? Those young men currently held must be released immediately unless you have solid evidence to charge them to court.”
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 15, left several villagers dead, injured many others, and resulted in the destruction of homes, including a church. Food items belonging to the residents were also looted.
In a statement by the Director of Press, Gyang Bere, Mutfwang assured the people of government support and a proper burial for the victims. He also pledged to overhaul the state’s security approach.
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“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,” he said.
Describing the killings as acts of terror, Mutfwang added, “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.”
He called on the military to stop targeting scapegoats and instead go after the real 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.”
Mutfwang commended youths defending their communities, saying, “We see you, we appreciate you, and we will continue to support you morally and otherwise to ensure that no one drives you from your ancestral lands.”
The governor also visited Gwong, Fang, Keng, and Rachi communities in Bachit District, which have recently suffered similar attacks. He encouraged residents to remain strong.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Riyom LGA, Rev. Davou Musa, accused some military personnel of shielding the attackers.
He called on the Federal Government to withdraw the troops from the area and provide immediate relief to affected residents.