The Plateau State High-Powered Fact-Finding Committee on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, visited Mangu Local Government Area as part of its ongoing efforts to assess the root causes of repeated violent attacks in Plateau communities and recommend sustainable solutions.
The committee, set up by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, began its activities in Mangu with a closed-door briefing session with the Executive Chairman of the local government, Hon. Emmanuel B. Mwolpun, alongside members of the local magistracy and security personnel.
Speaking during the session, Committee Chairman Maj. Gen. Nicholas Rogas (Rtd) emphasized the importance of collaboration with local authorities.
“Your cooperation is needed to lead us in accessing affected areas, stakeholders, and victims, in order to identify the problems and provide recommendations,” he said.
In his remarks, Hon. Mwolpun assured the committee of the LGA’s full cooperation.
“The constitution of this committee is timely, and seeing the strong composition of the team, I am confident that the crisis can be resolved. If the committee cannot solve it, then only the ancestors can. We are ready to support you fully,” he said.
He further revealed that although there had been a period of relative peace, the area had recently experienced renewed and severe attacks, requiring long-term interventions.
Stakeholder Engagement at the Palace
The committee proceeded to the palace of the Mishkaham Mwaghavul, His Royal Highness Da John Putmang Hirse, Mni, CON, MNIM, where a town hall meeting was held with district heads, traditional rulers, religious leaders, Fulani representatives, youth and women leaders, and other stakeholders.
The Mishkaham Mwaghavul commended the committee for accepting the task and encouraged them to approach it with an open mind.
“There have been different committees in the past, yet the killings continue. Governor Mutfwang’s decision to appoint competent non-indigenes is commendable. We urge you to think outside the box and ensure implementation of the recommendations,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Rogas (Rtd) reiterated the neutrality of the committee:
“We are not from Plateau State. This ensures that there is no bias in the process. We will produce a balanced report that we hope the Governor will act on to restore peace.”
He disclosed some of the issues identified in Mangu LGA during the town hall meeting, including:
- Land grabbing
- Cattle rustling and reprisal attacks
- Hijacking of conflict by criminals
- Religious coloration
- Kidnapping and night grazing
- Disregard for traditional institutions
- Infiltration by foreign elements
- Displacement of natives and open grazing
“We have heard from all groups — Mwaghavul, Berom, Fulani, and other stakeholders — and many of their accounts point to the same root causes. We are appealing to the conscience of everyone to allow peace to prevail,” he added.
Assessment of Attacked Communities
The committee rounded up its visit with an on-the-ground assessment of several affected communities, including Tyop, formerly inhabited by Mwaghavul natives but now occupied by Fulani settlers. The community, once vibrant, has been reduced to ruins with looted homes, destroyed buildings, and new structures built using materials from abandoned houses.
According to the LGA chairman:
“Tyop was originally a Mwaghavul settlement. After the 2023 election crisis, the natives fled for safety, leaving their properties intact. Today, their homes are in ruins, the blocks reused, and farms taken over by new settlers.”
The chairman also noted a growing communication gap between indigenous traditional leaders and Ardos, the Fulani leaders, which he said had weakened conflict resolution mechanisms.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to deepening its investigation, consulting widely, and ensuring that its recommendations reflect the realities on the ground to help restore lasting peace in Plateau State.
