ABUJA — In a decisive move to stem a resurgence of deadly violence, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has announced a sweeping set of security measures, including the prohibition of night grazing, restriction on motorcycle use, and a curfew on cattle transportation. The new directives take effect statewide from Wednesday, April 16.
In a somber statewide broadcast on Wednesday morning, Governor Mutfwang addressed the people of Plateau, lamenting a fresh wave of bloodshed that has gripped the state and reignited painful memories of past massacres.
“In the late hours of Sunday, April 13, the calm of Kimakpa in Bassa LGA was shattered by a brutal assault on Zike village,” the governor said. “Entire families were wiped out. Homes were razed. This is not random violence—this is a coordinated campaign of terror.”
This latest attack comes on the heels of a massacre in Bokkos that claimed over 50 lives. The governor pointed to a disturbing pattern: “From Riyom to Barkin-Ladi, from Dogo Na Hawa to Mangu—these atrocities are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic effort to displace and destabilize our communities.”
As part of his administration’s renewed security strategy, the governor announced:
- A ban on night grazing of cattle.
- A curfew on cattle transportation by vehicle from 7:00 PM daily.
- A statewide restriction on motorcycle movement from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
He also called for the activation of community-based response systems, urging traditional leaders and youth organizations to mobilize vigilante groups and coordinate night patrols with law enforcement.
Governor Mutfwang underscored that these measures were not merely reactive but form part of a broader effort to reclaim Plateau’s security and dignity.
“Plateau shall not be overrun by fear,” he declared. “We reject the normalisation of bloodshed. Enough is enough.”
Having toured conflict-hit communities such as Hurti, Mbar, Manguna, and Daffo, the governor said the destruction he witnessed was staggering—displaced families taking refuge in churches and temporary shelters.
He thanked the National and State Emergency Management Agencies for their rapid response, while emphasizing that these incidents threaten Plateau’s economic future by deterring investment and stalling development.
To address deeper societal fractures, Governor Mutfwang has mandated the Inter-Religious Council to begin immediate stakeholder engagement and announced plans to appoint a Special Envoy on Peace to lead grassroots consultations and intelligence gathering.
Additionally, a Fact-Finding Committee of independent voices will be inaugurated to investigate the root causes of the violence and recommend actionable solutions.
In a direct warning to perpetrators, the governor said: “Your evil shall not go unpunished. You may run, but you will not hide. Plateau will rise, Plateau will prevail.”
Concluding with a rallying call to unity, Mutfwang reminded citizens of Plateau’s proud legacy of peace and resilience: “We are a people of harmony—this is our land, and we will defend it not with hate, but with courage, wisdom, and love.”
