The governor of Plateau state, Caleb Mutfwang, has apologized to residents of Zikke and Kimakpa communities in Bassa local government area after recent bandit attacks claimed over 50 lives.
The attack comes barely two weeks after gunmen invaded and killed many residents in five communities in Bokkos and Mangu LGAs, on April 2.
Speaking on Tuesday during his visit to Ronku Aka, the paramount ruler of Irigwe land, Mutfwang said the government has failed in its duty of protecting the lives of its citizens.
“I will tell you the truth — I have been crying since yesterday because I had trusted God that all the arrangements were put in place, that this will not happen again. We have made investments in security,” Mutfwang said
The governor noted that although the state had implemented security measures to safeguard lives and property, they proved insufficient to prevent the incidents.
He assured residents that the state is doing everything possible to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidents and to also bring the perpetrators to book.
“But like all human arrangements, sometimes they fail. I want to admit that on Sunday night into Monday morning, we failed you. Please, forgive me. Security is everyone’s responsibility. We are working to reinforce intelligence gathering and rapid response, but we need communities to remain alert and cooperative.”he said