Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has called on the Nigerian military to take proactive steps in protecting vulnerable communities across the state following a brutal attack on Binda in Tahos Village, Riyom Local Government Area, allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani militias.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, claimed several lives, left many injured, and resulted in the destruction of homes, including a church. Food items belonging to villagers were also looted, further deepening the tragedy.

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants invaded the community in large numbers, yet military personnel stationed less than 200 meters away were unable to prevent the massacre. No arrests have been made in the aftermath.

In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Dr. Gyang Bere, Mutfwang, while addressing the grieving residents, condemned the killings in the strongest terms and assured them that his administration would not abandon them in their time of sorrow.

“We will deploy every resource at our disposal to end this genocide. This is not a farmer-herder conflict; this is terrorism—plain and simple,” the governor declared. “Let me promise you, by the grace of God, Riyom will not fall.”

Governor Mutfwang pledged a comprehensive review of the state’s security architecture to ensure accountability among those entrusted with the protection of lives and property.

While acknowledging the efforts of gallant soldiers defending Plateau communities, he expressed concern over suspected lapses and complicity within the security ranks. He called for the identification and removal of personnel undermining peace efforts.
“These attackers are not spirits,” he said.

“Real people committed these atrocities and vanished. Commander, you made arrests over a soldier’s death—why are there no arrests today? Those young men currently held must be released unless there is concrete evidence to prosecute them.”

Mutfwang assured the affected communities of government support, including a dignified burial for the deceased and assistance for those who lost their homes.

“To our elders and youth, please remain calm and vigilant,” he urged. “I thank our young people for their courage. We see you, we appreciate you, and we will continue to support you—morally and otherwise—to ensure no one drives you from your ancestral lands.”
He warned security agencies against targeting innocent civilians while the real perpetrators roam free.

“I want to hear of arrests, not excuses,” he insisted. “The era of ‘unknown gunmen’ is over. These killers live among us and must be brought to justice.”

Mutfwang emphasized that the role of the military is not merely peacekeeping, but active protection of Nigerian lives and property.
“Anyone threatening these lives is an enemy of the state and must be treated as such,” he said.

The governor also extended his visit to Gwong, Fang, Keng, and Rachi communities in Bachit District of Riyom LGA, all recently affected by similar attacks.

He offered condolences and encouraged the residents to remain resilient in defending their heritage.

Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Riyom Council, Rev. Davou Musa, accused the military of failing in its constitutional duty and alleged complicity in shielding the attackers.

He called for the immediate withdrawal of troops from the area and appealed to the Federal Government for urgent humanitarian assistance for the displaced.