Plateau State Government under the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered probes into the alleged killing of 36 cows in Bassa local government area of the state, days after suspected herdsmen invaded and killed scores of people at Zikke community in the same Bassa local government area of the state.

Local media stated that the killing of the cows said to belong to Mallam Samaila Nuhu occurred at Tafi Gana junction in the Zanwar ward area of Bassa local government area on Wednesday.

The Plateau State Government in a statement issued on Thursday evening, stated in quotes thus: “Our attention has been drawn to an allegation circulating on social media, particularly from the Gafdan Media Team, concerning the alleged poisoning of 36 cows belonging to one Mallam Samaila Nuhu on the 16th of April, 2025, at Tafi Gana Junction in Zanwar Ward of Bassa Local Government Area.

While government is deeply concerned about this report, it urges the public to remain calm and avoid speculations or narratives that may further inflame tensions or disrupt the peace in the area.

In line with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s commitment to justice, transparency, and peaceful coexistence among all citizens and residents of Plateau State, the Ministry of Livestock Development, Vetrinary Services and Fisheries has been directed to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the incident.

A team of veterinary experts, environmental officers, and field investigators have already been deployed to the location to collect samples and establish the facts surrounding the alleged poisoning.

Government remains steadfast in promoting peaceful cohabitation, inclusive dialogue, and sustainable solutions to longstanding issues of land use and grazing practices.

We therefore appeal to all stakeholders to avoid inflammatory statements and allow the due process of investigation to take its course”, the Plateau State Government stated on Thursday as signed and made available by Joyce Lohya Ramnap, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Plateau State.

In an earlier news release, the “Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has paid a sympathy visit to Zikke and Kimakpa communities in Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area, following the gruesome terrorist attacks that occurred between the late hours of Sunday, April 13, and the early hours of Monday, April 14, 2025.

The Governor, visibly shaken by the scale of destruction and human suffering, was deeply moved upon seeing the despondent women, children, and the elderly who were displaced and left without shelter or means of livelihood.

He expressed his heartfelt condolences and reassured them of his administration’s steadfast support during these trying times.

Accompanied by the state’s security chiefs, Governor Mutfwang stated that the government has re-evaluated and is reengineering the state’s security architecture to forestall further attacks and ensure lasting peace and stability across Plateau State.

“We are here to mourn with you, to pay our respects to those whose lives were cut short by this senseless act of terror. The entire nation is grieving with you, and so is the international community,” the Governor said.

“I have wept since yesterday because we believed that all necessary measures were in place to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.

We have made significant investments in security, but as with many human efforts, they sometimes fall short.

However, this incident is a painful setback for us, especially as we have made considerable progress in pursuing peace across the Plateau.”

He reiterated his administration’s determination to prevent further loss of innocent lives.

“No one has the right to take the law into their hands. Despite the provocation, we must not allow ourselves to be dragged into the abyss of lawlessness. We remain committed to building a peaceful and prosperous Plateau for all.”

In his remarks, the Brra Nggwe Irigwe, Reverend Ronku Aka, thanked Governor Mutfwang for his prompt and compassionate visit to the affected communities.

He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to safeguard rural populations and lauded the Governor’s development strides, particularly the construction of roads in the area.

“We are a peaceful and accommodating people. Our hospitality should not be mistaken for weakness. We believe in the rule of law and will not seek revenge. This land is our ancestral home, and we have no other. Some people may wish for Plateau’s downfall, but we remain steadfast in our hope for its rise and restoration.”

The traditional ruler prayed for divine wisdom for the Governor in handling the challenges facing the state.

Meanwhile, Governor Mutfwang also received the Inspector-General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, who announced the deployment of more police personnel to Plateau State.

He condemned the attacks and reaffirmed the Police Force’s commitment to restoring the state’s reputation as a beacon of peace and tourism in Nigeria”, stated in quotes as signed and made available by Gyang Bere,
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State on
April 15, 2025.

Before the Zikke incident, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang had paid condolences to the people of Bokkos and Mangu communities following attacks and killings in the area by suspected herders.

At the visit, the Governor said; “When I stood at the mass grave site in Bokkos, I felt the full weight of what we have lost. I promised then—and I promise now—that a memorial will be erected to honor those lives unjustly taken. Their memory will not fade.

At the Saint Thomas Apostle Catholic Church, I saw courage in the eyes of the displaced. I thank the church for being a sanctuary, and I commit that you will not remain displaced for long. Help is on the way.

In Tyop, Mangu Local government Area, I saw lands that had been forcefully occupied. People building new homes with stolen materials—this is not only unacceptable; it is unlawful. I have directed security agencies and local authorities to begin a full documentation and enumeration process—every land, every structure, every claim must be verified.

Plateau is a land of hospitality, yes—but it is not a land without law. Anyone wishing to live here must do so lawfully and peacefully.

To our security agencies, I charge you: carry out this enumeration with fairness, firmness, and justice. We will not allow injustice to take root under the guise of resettlement.

Let the world know: Plateau will rise again—not by violence, but by resilience. Not by fear, but by faith. Not by division, but by unity”.

We had reported that the Nigeria Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday visited Plateau State over the series of attacks that occurred on Sunday night in Bassa Local Government Area of the state, which, according to the police, scores of residents were killed, this, as unofficial reports have indicated that more than 51 people were killed, with some of them burnt to death at Zike community by the attackers.