Plateau killings – Governor Mutfwang Bans Night Grazing/ Motorcycle Movement
Following the onslaught of over 30 persons in the state, Plateau state Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday banned grazing of cattle in the night in the state.
Governor Mutfwang, in a broadcast to the people of his state, said, “To restore calm and strengthen vigilance; I hereby announce that Night grazing of cattle is strictly prohibited. Also, transportation of cattle by vehicle is banned after 7:00 PM .”
Governor Mutfwang also said the use of motorcycles is restricted from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM across the state until further notice.
Governor Mutfwang said Following these developments, I convened an emergency State Security Council meeting and have been in active consultation with federal security leadership, including the President, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and the National Security Adviser. I’m grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his concern and support, and for instructing security agencies to take decisive steps to apprehend the perpetrators of these attacks.
He added, ” Security deployments are being reinforced, and Operation Rainbow is being restructured to support community stabilization efforts. Additionally, all hospitals in the region have been directed to provide free medical treatment to victims and relief supplies are already being dispatched to affected communities.
I speak to you today not only as your Governor but as a fellow son of Plateau who shares in your anguish and feels the weight of the pain inflicted upon our people. We are once again confronted by sorrow as heart-wrenching attacks have taken the lives of innocent citizens in our communities.”
Let us be clear: this is not random violence. This is not an isolated conflict between farmers and herders. What we are witnessing is a systematic and premeditated campaign, one that seeks to displace, destabilize, and instill terror and fear in our people and communities. The tragic echoes of Dogo Na Hawa, Riyom, Barkin-Ladi, Mangu, and the Christmas Eve massacres in Bokkos remain vivid.
The cycle continues, but it must not endure., enough is enough.
As your Governor, I stand resolved that Plateau shall not be overrun by fear, nor shall we accept this culture of bloodshed as the new normal. My administration is intensifying efforts to protect our people and enforce the rule of law across all local governments.
“But let me reassure you: my government is alive to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, and we are rising to the occasion more determined than ever.
We are also activating community-based response systems. I urge traditional leaders and youth associations to reactivate local vigilante groups and organize night patrols in coordination with the security agencies. We must protect our communities while upholding the rule of law”.
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