Plateau State Governor labels ongoing violence ‘Genocide’, calls for collective action

April 22, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has described the decades-long violence in the state as “genocide fueled by a land-grabbing agenda, masked as farmer-herder disputes”.

He made this assertion while emphasizing the need for collective action to bring an end to the bloodshed.

According to Governor Mutfwang, “For over two decades, we’ve endured cycles of violence that are not mere clashes, but coordinated attempts at the annihilation of our people. Let us call it what it is – genocide, fueled by a land-grabbing agenda, masked as farmer-herder disputes.”

The Governor expressed his commitment to breaking the chains of poverty and helping the people rise to prosperity, but noted that development efforts are hindered by the ongoing violence.

“How can we build schools when children are running from bullets? How can we develop agriculture when farmers are displaced from their land?” he asked.

Governor Mutfwang emphasized the importance of working together to restore peace, saying “Together, we must restore peace. Together, we will.” He also revealed that the President had personally expressed concern over the situation and that his administration has been working tirelessly to find solutions.

“I have heard the cries of our people. I have visited the graves, the camps, the broken homes. Mr. President himself called me personally to express his concern.

“Since then, we’ve been working tirelessly day and night to find solutions,” the Governor stated.