Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has offered a public apology to residents of Bassa Local Government Area following a deadly attack that left 51 people dead in the early hours of Monday.

The attack, which targeted the Zikke community in the Kwall district, saw dozens killed and several homes razed. It comes just two weeks after a similarly brutal incident in Bokkos LGA, where scores were also reported dead.

Mutfwang, who visited the affected community on Tuesday alongside security chiefs and members of his cabinet, said the government failed to protect its people despite prior investments in security measures.

“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,” he said during a visit to the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Miango.

“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.”

The governor urged community members not to give up on protecting their homes and asked them to assist security agencies with vital information that could expose the attackers’ tactics.

“Security is everyone’s responsibility. We are working to reinforce intelligence gathering and rapid response, but we need communities to remain alert and cooperative,” Mutfwang added.

The governor’s comments came amid growing public outrage over the recurring violence in the North-Central state, where hundreds have been killed in a wave of attacks that observers link to a long-standing conflict over land and resources between farmers and herders.

Paramount Ruler of Irigwe land, Ronku Aka, called on the government to provide social infrastructure and support to displaced families in the area.

During the visit, Mutfwang and his delegation also met with survivors and families of victims. The community has since buried the deceased, amid tears and renewed demands for justice.

Plateau State has long been plagued by ethnic and communal violence, but recent attacks have reignited fears of an escalation. In a separate interview, Mutfwang described the killings as genocidal and alleged they were being carried out by organised groups with an agenda to seize land.

According to the governor, more than 64 communities in the state have been forcefully occupied and renamed by armed groups.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks and instructed security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible.

The Inspector General of Police has since ordered the deployment of tactical units to the affected areas.