Security Fears Exposed: Mutfwang Reveals Why He Addressed Crowd From Armoured Vehicle

Caleb Mutfwang has explained why he addressed residents from an armoured personnel carrier during his visit to Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area following the recent deadly attack.

The governor visited the community after suspected bandits killed about 28 people and injured several others. His arrival, accompanied by heavy security presence and an armoured vehicle, drew widespread attention after videos of the moment went viral online, sparking mixed reactions.

Speaking on Channels Television, Mutfwang dismissed claims that his actions were driven by fear. He revealed that he had been in Abuja attending official engagements, including a high-level security meeting, when he received news of the attack and immediately returned to Plateau State.

According to him, residents had refused to allow the evacuation of victims’ bodies until he personally arrived at the scene. While he initially planned to go directly to the area, security operatives advised caution due to concerns about the volatile atmosphere.

He noted that his security team had a responsibility to protect him, especially in a situation they considered potentially dangerous. Despite this, he insisted on visiting the community rather than waiting for tensions to ease.

Mutfwang explained that standing through the hatch of the armoured vehicle was simply to gain visibility and effectively address the large crowd. He added that residents later reassured him of his safety and even encouraged him to come closer.

The governor also criticised how parts of the visit were portrayed online, saying short clips were taken out of context while ignoring the majority of the time he spent engaging with victims, inspecting the scene, and calming residents.

He maintained that he felt safe among the people throughout the visit, stressing that the security measures were precautionary and based on professional assessment rather than personal fear.