A group under the banner of the Vanguard for the Voice of Reasoning has dismissed allegations by former Plateau State Labour Party governorship candidate, Chief Yohanna Margif, accusing Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of remaining silent as Fulani militias attack communities in Bokkos Local Government Area.
Margif, the Waziri Mushere, had in a recent statement alleged that Governor Mutfwang had abandoned his community while Fulani herders continued to kill residents, displace communities, and seize their lands.
Responding in a statement on Monday, Vanguard Chairman James Buba described Margif’s accusations as “false and baseless,” insisting the governor has never been silent on the violence in Bokkos or other parts of the state.
Buba accused Margif of neglecting his own people for over a year, failing to visit or commiserate with them despite repeated deadly assaults.
“It is shocking to hear Mr. Yohanna Margif, who has abandoned his people for several years, accuse Governor Mutfwang of being silent over the attacks,” Buba said. “If there is any governor Plateau State has produced who has stood firmly with his people, it is Governor Mutfwang. Idle minds and shortsighted individuals like Margif should not be allowed to mislead the public with unfounded claims.”
According to the group, Governor Mutfwang visited Mushere and other affected communities on June 22, 2025, to console victims, restore hope, and deliver relief materials. It also noted that the governor recently sent a high-powered delegation led by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil, to Mushere to ensure the speedy completion of a bridge project.
Buba further condemned Margif’s comments as “unguided and self-serving,” alleging that he has been “living comfortably in Abuja while ignoring the pains and sufferings of his people.”
While expressing sympathy for Mushere residents over the sustained violence by armed herdsmen, the Vanguard urged the community to remain resilient in defending themselves. It also called on security agencies to live up to their constitutional duty of protecting lives and property—or allow communities to defend their land.
