Death Toll in Plateau Killings Rises to 52 as Governor Mutfwang Urges Calm and Calls for Justice

The wave of violence that erupted across several communities in Plateau State has claimed the lives of at least 52 people, according to official and local sources. The attacks, which took place over the past few days, have thrown the state into mourning as families count their losses and survivors recount tales of horror.

The deadly incidents occurred in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas, where armed assailants launched coordinated assaults on multiple villages. Homes were burned, farmland destroyed, and residents, including women and children, were reportedly targeted in the overnight raids. The communities affected are still reeling from the devastation, with emergency response and humanitarian services struggling to manage the aftermath.

In response to the tragic events, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has made a passionate appeal for peace and unity among residents. Speaking during a press conference in Jos, the state capital, Governor Mutfwang condemned the killings in the strongest terms and urged citizens to avoid retaliatory attacks, which could further escalate the situation.

“I am deeply saddened by the senseless loss of innocent lives in our communities,” Mutfwang said. “We cannot allow our state to be overtaken by fear, hatred, and division. I call on security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest those responsible for these heinous acts. Plateau people deserve to live in peace.”

The governor also assured that his administration is working closely with security operatives and federal authorities to restore order and prevent future attacks. He emphasized the need for communal harmony and the importance of not allowing criminal elements to take advantage of ethnic or religious differences.

Meanwhile, displaced residents have sought refuge in nearby towns, churches, and temporary shelters, while aid organizations are calling for urgent relief materials, including food, water, blankets, and medical supplies.

Human rights groups and community leaders have also demanded swift investigations and the prosecution of those behind the killings. They stress that only justice can bring closure and healing to the affected communities.

As the state mourns, the federal government is under pressure to implement long-term solutions to the recurring violence in Plateau and other parts of the Middle Belt, where communal conflicts over land, resources, and ethnic tensions continue to threaten peace and development.

The coming days will be crucial as security forces ramp up patrols and peace dialogues begin across affected areas. For many, however, the scars of this latest tragedy will not easily fade.