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Governor Mutfwang Visits Grieving Communities in Riyom, Condemns Plateau Killings as Genocide
Jos – Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has visited communities in Riyom Local Government Area recently devastated by violent attacks, describing the killings as acts of terrorism and “genocide, plain and simple.”
Speaking during an emotional visit to Tahoss village and other hard-hit areas in the Bachit District—including Gwong, Fang, Keng, and Rachi—the Governor offered condolences to survivors and vowed to pursue justice at the highest levels.
“Let me promise you, by the grace of God, Riyom will not fall,” Mutfwang declared. “This is genocide, plain and simple. We will escalate this matter to the highest levels and deploy every resource available to end this bloodshed.”
Tahoss was the scene of a deadly attack on Tuesday that left several people dead, many injured, and numerous homes—including a place of worship—burnt to the ground. The attackers also looted food and valuables, leaving residents traumatized and displaced.
Addressing the grief-stricken community, Governor Mutfwang rejected the narrative of the killings being part of a farmer-herder clash, asserting instead that the violence bore all the marks of coordinated terror. He praised security personnel who have shown commitment but did not shy away from criticizing lapses in the system.
“These attackers are not spirits. Real people carried out these atrocities and disappeared,” he said. “We cannot continue to ignore this. Sector Commander, I ask you directly: why were no arrests made this time? Yet young men are detained over unrelated cases. If you lack evidence, release them immediately.”
Governor Mutfwang also called for a total overhaul of the security architecture in the state, stressing that the era of labeling criminals as “unknown gunmen” must end.
“I want to hear of arrests, not excuses. The era of impunity is over. These killers must be brought to justice. Our security operatives must understand they are not peacekeepers; they are defenders of lives and property,” he charged.
In his address to residents and local youth, the Governor encouraged continued vigilance, calm, and resilience. He assured them of government support and relief for displaced families.
“To our youths and elders, we see your resilience. We thank you. You will not be abandoned. This land is yours, and nobody will drive you from it,” he stated.
During the visit, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Riyom LGA, Rev. Davou Musa, raised serious concerns over the conduct of some military personnel, alleging collusion with the attackers. He called on the Federal Government to withdraw the current military deployment and urgently provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting all communities across Plateau and called for coordinated action from both federal authorities and local stakeholders to ensure lasting peace.
A Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos has scheduled August 11, 2026, to deliver its ruling on a preliminary objection challenging its jurisdiction to hear the case involving four persons standing trial over the Angwan Rukuba killings.
The court will also rule on the same day on an application seeking the transfer of one of the defendants from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical attention.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, counsel to the first and second defendants, Mr. M. I. Shaba (SAN), argued that the Plateau State High Court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the matter. He maintained that the charges against his clients border on terrorism, which falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
The prosecution, represented by the Director of Civil Litigation in the Plateau State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Sabo Longji, opposed the application, urging the court to dismiss the objection. He relied on a counter-affidavit filed on behalf of the state government.
After hearing arguments from both the defence and prosecution, the presiding judge, Justice Gedaliah Fwomyon, reserved ruling on both the jurisdictional challenge and the application for medical transfer until August 11, 2026.
The Plateau State Government had earlier arraigned Adamu Isa Alhassan, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar (popularly known as Auwalu Dogo), Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (also known as Yaroro), and Ado Ibrahim, who remains at large, over their alleged involvement in the deadly attack.
The defendants are facing charges in connection with the Palm Sunday attack on Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area, during which about 30 people lost their lives, making it one of the state’s most tragic incidents in recent years.
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