NEWS LEVERAGE

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has banned night grazing and transportation of cows from 7 pm following the killing of over 100 residents in Zikwe, Bokkos and Bassa communities in the State.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Governor, who shed tears over the attack on Sunday, said the prohibition, which starts from Wednesday, 16th of April, 2025, also includes restriction of motorcycle movement from 7 pm to 6 am.

He also directed traditional rulers to revive local vigilante patrols in partnership with the security agencies. He also stated that all hospitals in affected areas would provide free medical care to victims while they shall be provided with essentials which are currently on their way to them.

He urged residents to remain calm and united in protecting the land as the State fight to restore peace in affected areas.

His statement reads; “My Dear People of Plateau,

I speak to you not just as your Governor, but as your brother one who deeply feels the pain and sorrow that has again darkened our land.

In the late hours of Sunday, April 13th, the peace of Zikwe Village in Bassa LGA was shattered by a brutal attack that claimed the lives of innocent men, women, and children. This comes while we still mourn the tragic loss of over 50 lives in Bokkos.

These attacks are calculated, persistent, and painful but Plateau remains unbroken.

I commend our emergency responders and security agencies for their swift action and thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing security forces to pursue justice with urgency.

In response to these attacks, the following measures take effect from Wednesday, April 16th:
•Night grazing is strictly prohibited.
•Transportation of cattle after 7 PM is banned.
•Motorcycle movement is restricted from 7 PM to 6 AM statewide.

All hospitals in affected areas will provide free medical care to victims, and relief materials are already on their way.

I call on traditional rulers and youth leaders to revive local vigilante patrols in partnership with security forces. We must be united in protecting our land, guided by justice and law.

To the grieving families in Zikwe, Bokkos, and beyond your pain is ours. We mourn with you, and we will not rest until peace is restored.

Let us remain calm, vigilant, and united. Together, we will rise beyond this grief stronger, safer, and more determined than ever.”

Meanwhile, while condemning the attack on the people, President Bola Tinubu has directed Governor Mutfwang to address the age-long attack, which he said is rooted in misunderstandings between different ethnic and religious groups and instructed security agencies to thoroughly investigate the crisis and identify those responsible for orchestrating these violent acts.

“We cannot allow this devastation and the tit-for-tat attacks to continue,” he said.