Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has announced a statewide prohibition on night grazing and the transportation of cattle by vehicle after 7:00 PM.
Additionally, the use of motorcycles has been restricted between 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM until further notice.
The governor also issued a firm warning that those behind the deadly attacks in Bassa and other parts of the state, along with their enablers, will be brought to justice.
In a state-wide broadcast on Wednesday morning, Mutfwang condemned the brutal incidents as “coordinated acts of terror,” which he said were designed to drive residents off their ancestral lands and disrupt their peaceful existence.
The PUNCH earlier reported that at least 51 individuals, including women, children, and the elderly, were killed during recent raids on Kwall District in Bassa Local Government Area.
The violence also left homes burnt to the ground, properties ruined, and numerous residents injured.
According to the governor, these tragic events occurred even as the government was grappling with a similar wave of violence in Bokkos Local Government Area, where another 52 lives were lost and hundreds of homes were destroyed.
In response, Mutfwang said the government had deployed and reinforced security personnel to vulnerable areas across the state.
To improve safety and community resilience, he announced new security measures aimed at curbing movement and strengthening surveillance in rural areas.
“I hereby announce the following measures, effective Wednesday, April 16: Night grazing of cattle is strictly prohibited; Transportation of cattle by vehicle is banned after 7:00 PM; The use of motorcycles is restricted from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM across the state until further notice,” Mutfwang declared.
He added, “We are also activating community-based response systems. I urge traditional leaders and youth associations to reactivate local vigilante groups and organize night patrols in coordination with the security agencies. We must protect our communities while upholding the rule of law.
“Furthermore, I have mandated the newly inaugurated Inter-Religious Council to begin immediate engagement with all stakeholders to address the deeper issues surrounding these attacks. I shall also be appointing a Special Envoy on Peace to lead grassroots consultations and intelligence coordination.
“A Fact-Finding Committee comprising respected independent voices will be constituted to investigate the root cause of this resurgence in violence and offer actionable recommendations.
“Let it be known: the Plateau spirit is resilient. We are a people of peace, renowned for our hospitality and unity across religious and ethnic lines. Those who seek to tear us apart must not succeed.
“To the killers and their sponsors, know this: your evil shall not go unpunished. You may run, but you will not hide. Plateau will rise. Plateau will prevail.”
Governor Mutfwang further stated that free medical care would be provided for victims of the attacks, along with emergency relief materials and food items. Temporary shelters are also being arranged for displaced persons.
He assured the public that President Bola Tinubu had pledged his full support in addressing the crisis.
While urging citizens to stay calm and maintain vigilance, the governor encouraged cooperation with security agencies by sharing credible intelligence.
He stressed the need for lawful conduct and urged communities to avoid retaliatory actions. Traditional rulers and local youth were also called upon to unite against criminal elements and expose those sponsoring the violence.
“But let me reassure you: my government is alive to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, and we are rising to the occasion more determined than ever,” Mutfwang concluded.
