Plateau Killings: Governor Mutfwang Convenes Emergency Meeting With Former Governors Over Escalating Violence

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has convened a high-level closed-door meeting with former governors and key stakeholders at Government House in Jos, as the state grapples with yet another wave of deadly attacks on rural communities.

The meeting, held on Wednesday, brought together former governors Simon Bako Lalong, Jonah David Jang, Joshua Chibi Dariye, and former military administrator Rear Admiral Samuel Bitrus Atukum (retd.), among other prominent leaders. It was called in response to the recent attack on Anguwan Rukuba and subsequent violence in parts of the state, where dozens were reportedly killed.

What was discussed

Mutfwang, in a post on his verified Facebook page on Thursday, said the closed-door session “extensively deliberated on issues affecting the well-being, welfare, and overall development of Plateau people, with particular focus on the recent wave of violent attacks in rural communities.”

Sources said the meeting reviewed the security situation, with participants expressing concern over the persistent loss of lives and destruction of property over the years. The leaders resolved to work collectively towards ending the violence by promoting sustainable peace, strengthening unity, and encouraging harmonious coexistence among residents. They also agreed to seek justice for victims and establish robust frameworks reflecting the values of courage, discipline, and patriotism associated with Plateau.

Why this meeting matters

Plateau has been one of the hardest-hit states in Nigeria’s security crisis. The “Bloody Holy Week” report documented 147 killed across Nigeria during Easter, with Angwan Rukuba in Plateau suffering over 28 deaths in a single night attack. These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a pattern of systematic violence against farming communities that has persisted for years.

What makes this meeting significant is the cross-party attendance. Lalong is APC; Jang is PDP; Dariye served under multiple parties; Mutfwang is PDP. The fact that these political rivals sat in the same room to discuss security suggests the violence has reached a level where partisan differences no longer matter, or at least where they have been temporarily suspended.

The test, as always, is in the follow-through. Plateau has seen many “united fronts” and “frameworks” announced after attacks, only for the violence to resume weeks later. The difference this time may be that the attacks are escalating to a point where even the political class can no longer afford to treat security as a political football. Or it may be another meeting that produces a communiqué and nothing more.

Sources: Daily Trust, NaijaNews