Residents of Plateau State have criticised Governor Caleb Mutfwang over the persistent killings in the state, accusing his administration of failing to take proactive measures to protect lives and property.

The residents, who spoke during a radio programme on Monday evening, urged the governor to step aside if his administration could no longer effectively tackle the wave of violence ravaging several communities.

Their reactions followed a bloody weekend between Friday, September 11, and Sunday, September 13, when about 21 people were reportedly killed in separate attacks in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South Local Government Areas.

In a statement on Monday, Mutfwang condemned the killings and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and security across the state.

The governor said the incidents were deeply disturbing, noting that the state government had been working with security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen the state’s security architecture through dialogue, intelligence sharing and community engagement.

According to him, peace remains a priority of his administration, while protecting lives and property remains fundamental to its vision of rebuilding trust, restoring confidence and creating a secure environment for residents.

Mutfwang also assured citizens that his administration remained committed to creating conditions where people could live, farm, travel, invest and pursue their livelihoods without fear.

He added that security operatives were already on the trail of those responsible for the attacks and would bring them to justice.

However, the governor’s assurances failed to impress several callers to the radio programme, who accused his administration of failing in its primary responsibility of protecting the people.

Some callers also criticised what they described as a recurring pattern in the governor’s public statements whenever attacks occur, saying the statements often contain similar assurances without a corresponding reduction in killings.

A social activist, Nanle Bamshak, accused Mutfwang of allegedly paying more attention to his political future ahead of the 2027 elections than the security situation in the state.

“I am highly and seriously disappointed by Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, especially in his handling of security issues in the state.

This is a man we supported and voted for massively because we all thought he would bring an end to violence and killings in the state.

“But what we now have is a situation where he has abandoned the same people who trusted and believed in him. All he is concerned at the moment is to consolidate his political career and re-election in 2027 despite the killings which are now almost a daily affair,” he said.

Another caller, Peter Alamba, said residents were tired of what he described as “regular and rhetorical press statements and condolence messages” whenever people were killed.

“We need proactive action to stop the cycle of violence and killings and not condolence messages and fake assurances of fighting insecurity in the state,” Alamba said.

Polycarp Bitrus also expressed disappointment with the governor’s handling of insecurity, alleging that communities were being attacked while the government continued to issue statements.

“I am disappointed in Gov. Caleb Mutfwang and the way he is handling insecurity in the state. People are being killed every day, communities are being sacked and occupied by Fulani bandits but our governor is only concerned with his political ambition,” he said.

Similarly, John Fadung, who said he supported Mutfwang during the 2023 election, accused the governor of losing focus and urged him to prioritise the welfare and security of Plateau residents.

The residents’ criticism comes amid renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of Plateau State, with calls for stronger and more effective measures to prevent further attacks.