Governor Caleb Mutfwang has praised the efforts of the military in securing the people of the state but at the same time said that those who killed several villagers in Tahos, Riyom Local Government Area were not spirits.
Speaking during a visit to the attacked communities on Wednesday, he lamented the failure to apprehend any of the attackers despite the presence of a nearby military post.
The heinous attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, claimed innocent lives, left many others injured, and resulted in the destruction of homes, including a church.
Food items belonging to villagers were also looted by the attackers, compounding the tragedy, according to a statement issued by the Director of Press, Gyang Bere.
Addressing the traumatised residents, Governor Mutfwang condemned the killings in strong terms and assured the people that his administration would not abandon them in their time of grief.
He pledged a comprehensive review of the state’s security architecture to ensure those charged with the protection of lives and property discharge their responsibilities without compromise.
“Let me promise you, by the grace of God, Riyom will not fall,” the Governor declared. “We will deploy every resource at our disposal to end this genocide. This is not a case of farmer-herder conflict. This is terrorism; this is genocide, plain and simple. And I assure you, we will escalate this matter to the highest levels.”
Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the efforts of gallant soldiers who have stood firm in defense of Plateau communities but noted that some bad elements within the security agencies must be identified and removed for peace to reign.
“We cannot continue like this. These attackers are not spirits, real people carried out these atrocities and vanished without a trace. Sector Commander, you were in command when suspects were arrested over a soldier’s death. Why are there no arrests today? Those young men currently held must be released immediately unless you have solid evidence to charge them to court,” the Governor demanded.