Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has explained that his visit to the troubled Angwan Rukuba community in an armoured personnel carrier was based on security advice and the need to effectively address residents following a deadly attack.Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, the governor said the elevated position provided by the vehicle enabled him to project his voice to a large and agitated crowd.He clarified that the decision was not symbolic but strategic, noting that security operatives advised the use of the armoured vehicle due to the tense situation in the community after the attack.“As part of the arrangement, I stood at a height so I could effectively address the crowd,” he said, adding that as chief security officer of the state, he acted strictly on professional guidance.
The governor had come under public scrutiny after a viral video showed him briefly addressing residents from the hatch of the vehicle during his visit to the area, which had been hit by a Palm Sunday night attack that reportedly left at least 28 people dead and several others injured.Mutfwang explained that the widely circulated clip did not reflect the full extent of his engagement, stressing that he spent the bulk of his time—about 90 per cent—on the ground, inspecting the scene, interacting with grieving families, and working to calm tensions.According to him, the crowd later reassured him of their safety, chanting for him to come closer, after which he engaged more directly with residents.The governor, who was in Abuja for political and security engagements when the attack occurred, said he immediately returned to Jos and visited the community the next day.During the visit, he appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, while assuring them that those responsible would be brought to justice. He also imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area to contain the situation.Mutfwang further pledged government support for victims, including covering medical expenses for the injured and organising proper burials for those killed.Describing the killings as “heinous,” “senseless,” and “evil,” the governor said the incident had left him deeply shaken, adding that he had struggled to sleep since receiving news of the attack.He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace in Plateau State, noting that collaboration with the Federal Government would strengthen ongoing security efforts.“We are determined to rebuild trust within our communities and restore Plateau’s long-standing culture of peace and hospitality,” he said.Mutfwang also acknowledged the contributions of past administrations in addressing insecurity, stressing that his government is working to unify stakeholders toward ending violence in the state.
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