Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has publicly apologised to the people of Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) following a brutal attack on the Zikke community that left at least 51 people dead, with homes razed and residents displaced. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, comes just two weeks after a similar massacre in Bokkos LGA where dozens were also killed.
Addressing the Paramount Ruler of Miango community and residents on Tuesday, a visibly emotional Governor Mutfwang admitted the government and security agencies failed in their responsibility to protect lives and properties.
“I will tell you the truth: I have been crying since yesterday because I had trusted God that all the arrangements were put in place, that this will not happen again,” Mutfwang said.
“We have made investments in security, but like all human arrangements, sometimes they fail. I want to admit that on Sunday night into Monday morning, we failed you. Please, forgive me.”
The governor, accompanied by state executive council members and security chiefs, visited Zikke to commiserate with grieving families and assess the extent of the destruction. Burnt houses, displaced residents, and haunting silence marked the aftermath of the assault that has now become one of the deadliest in recent memory.
Mutfwang urged residents not to give up on protecting their communities. He called for community vigilance and stronger collaboration with security agencies through timely intelligence sharing.
“We must continue to work together. Your cooperation with security agencies is critical to exposing the evil plans of those who want to destroy us,” he added.
During the visit, Ronku Aka, the Brangwe of Irigwe and paramount ruler of Irigwe land, appealed to the state government for the urgent provision of basic social amenities in the area — a request that highlights the neglect many rural communities face even outside of crisis moments.
“Our people need not just security but roads, healthcare, clean water, and schools. Let this not be where government presence ends,” the monarch said.
The Zikke killings add to a long list of bloody attacks that have plagued Plateau State, particularly in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Bokkos LGAs. The cycle of violence — often between farming communities and suspected armed militias — has claimed thousands of lives over the years, with little accountability and limited long-term solutions from both state and federal authorities.
For now, the people of Zikke mourn their dead and attempt to rebuild — again — while hoping that this time, the promise of “never again” might actually hold true.
