Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has called on residents of Zilkke village in rhe Bassa Local Government Area to remain vigilant and defend themselves amid recurring attacks by suspected criminal elements.
The call followed a brutal assault on Sunday night in which gunmen stormed the community around 8pm, killing over 50 people, injuring scores — including women and children — and razing more than 40 houses.
The attack comes just two weeks after similar violence in Bokkos LGA that claimed over 80 lives.
The motive behind Sunday’s attack remains unclear, though some local sources believe it may be connected to a string of isolated killings throughout the week.
Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the village on Tuesday, Governor Mutfwang addressed survivors sheltered in a local primary school.
He emphasised the need for self-defence while cautioning against retaliatory actions.
“We are more determined than ever to ensure that no more innocent blood is shed on the Plateau. While we continue to invest in security, communities must also rise to defend themselves,” the governor stated.
He reassured the people of the government’s commitment to rebuilding affected areas and supporting displaced families.
He also urged youths to remain alert, particularly with the farming season approaching.
“This is not the time to lament or assign blame. It’s time to stand united and protect one another,” Mutfwang said. “The people who attacked us are not ghosts—they are known, and those shielding them are complicit.”
The attack has once again raised ethnic tensions, with local residents alleging that Fulani militants were responsible. However, a Fulani leader in the area, Ardo Lawal Haruna, refuted the claims.
“The allegation against us is false. We strongly condemn the incident and urge the security agencies to carry out their duties and identify those responsible,” Haruna said.
Meanwhile, spokesperson for the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Samuel Jugo, confirmed that the attack began with sporadic gunfire by unidentified assailants.
Joining the call for justice, the traditional ruler of the Irigwe people, Bra Ngwe Irigwe, Rt. Rev. Ronku Aka, expressed gratitude for the governor’s visit and urged residents to avoid reprisals despite ongoing attacks he believes are aimed at displacing his people.
Before visiting Zilkke, Governor Mutfwang posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating that efforts were underway to investigate the attack and prevent future violence. He convened a high-level security meeting following the tragedy.