From Atang Izang, Jos
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has visited Binda in Tahos Village, Riyom Local Government Area, scene of a brutal and genocidal attack carried out by suspected Fulani militias.
The heinous attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, claimed the lives of 27 persons, left many others injures, and resulted in the destruction of houses, including a church as well as food stuff belonging to the villagers were also looted by the attackers, compounding the tragedy.
According to official release by Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor, obtained by our correspondent, reported disturbing eyewitness accounts from survivors revealed that the armed assailants invaded the community in large numbers, and military operatives stationed 200 metres away couldn’t intervene successfully to prevent the carnage, with no arrests made in the aftermath.
Addressing the traumatised residents, according to the release, Governor Mutfwang condemned the killings in strong terms and assured the people that his administration would not abandon them in their time of grief. He pledged a comprehensive review of the state’s security architecture to ensure those charged with the protection of lives and poverty discharges their responsibilities without compromise.
“Let me promise you, by the grace of God, Riyom will not fall”, the Governor declared. “We will deploy every resource at our disposal to end this genocide. This is not a case of farmer-herder conflict. This is terrorism; this is genocide, plain and simple. And I assure you, we will escalate this matter to the highest levels”.
Meanwhile, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the efforts of gallant soldiers who have stood firm in defense of Plateau communities but noted that some bad elements within the security agencies must be identified and removed for peace to reign.
“We cannot continue like this. These attackers are not spirits; real people carried out these atrocities and vanished without a trace. Sector Commander, you were in command when suspects were arrested over a soldier’s death. Why are there no arrests today? Those young men currently held must be released immediately unless you have solid evidence to charge them to court”, the Governor demanded.
The governor, according to the media spokesman, urged the affected communities to find solace in god, assuring that the government will organise a dignified burial for those killed and take steps to support those who lost their homes.
“To our elders and youth, please remain calm and vigilant. I thank our young people across these affected areas for their courage in defending their communities. We see you, we appreciate you, and we will continue to support you morally and otherwise to ensure that one drives you from your ancestral land”, he said.
The traumatised governor then called on the security agencies to stop targeting scapegoats and go after the real perpetrators.
“I want to hear of arrests, not excuses. The era of so-called ‘unknown gunmen’ is over. These killers live among us and must be brought to justice. Let them serve as an example to deter others who plan to destabilise our communities.
“To our security forces: you’re not here for peacekeeping mission. You are deployed to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians. Anyone threatening these lives is an enemy of the state and must be treated accordingly”, he emphasised.
According the statement, the Governor also extended his visit to Gwong, Fang, Keng, and Rachi communities in Bachit District of Riyom LGA, all of which have recently suffered similar deadly attacks. He sympathised with the people, encouraging them to remain resilient and steadfast in defending their ancestral heritage.
The statement further says, during the visit, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Riyom LGA, Rev Davou Musa, blamed the military for failing in its duty to protect the people, as he accused some personnel for complicity by shielding the attackers and called for the federal government to withdraw the military from the area and appealed for urgent humanitarian relief to support the survivors.
In the same vein, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, has also visited Bindi Tahoss Community in Riyom LGA, scene of the recent attacks that have left 27 people dead and countless others injured and rendered homeless to sympathise with them.
The minister described the situation as not a good moment for the state, and he was personally very sad.
“These are not good moment for us, I’m sad”, Says Prof. Nentawe. “I came to Bindi Tahoss, a community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, where innocent villagers, including women and children, were unjustly massacred by enemies of humanity.
“I conveyed the condolences of Mr President and took stock of the extent of the damages in the community, including those of nearby villages”, he said.
The minister also assured the community that he will report back what he saw to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and chain of actions will follow to address the immediate humanitarian needs and to forestall future occurrence.
“I will report back to Mr President and a chain of actions will follow to address the immediate humanitarian needs and to forestall future occurrence”, noted.
