By Israel Adamu, Jos
A group under the aegis of Vanguard for the Voice of Reasoning has strongly refuted what it described as inciting and misleading allegations made by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), accusing the Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, of calling for the withdrawal of military personnel from crisis-prone areas of the state.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, James Buba, the group described the allegation as false and mischievous, claiming it was designed to distort facts, sow discord, and incite ethno-religious tension in an already fragile security environment.
“The inflammatory claim is not only untrue but reeks of deliberate mischief,” the group stated.
“For the record, at no point did Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang call for the withdrawal of military personnel from any part of Plateau State,” the statement clarified.
According to the group, the Governor has, in contrast, consistently emphasized the need for a united and collaborative approach among all security agencies—including the military, police, civil defense, and local vigilantes—to effectively address the complex security challenges confronting the state.
MURIC’s claims reportedly referenced the Governor’s recent visit to Jebbu and Bindi in the Tahoss District of Riyom Local Government Area, where 27 innocent citizens were brutally killed. The group described MURIC’s interpretation of that visit as a “gross misrepresentation” of the Governor’s actions and intentions.
“It is disheartening that Professor Akintola failed to acknowledge or condemn this heinous act of violence, choosing instead to weaponize falsehood in the name of religion,” the statement said.
During the visit, Governor Mutfwang expressed sympathy to the grieving community, urged calm, and appealed against reprisals. He called for professionalism among security personnel and noted that while many are performing admirably under difficult circumstances, a few have fallen short. The group stressed that at no point did the Governor call for the wholesale removal of soldiers, but rather for accountability and improved synergy among security agencies.
Since assuming office, Governor Mutfwang has demonstrated a commitment to peace, inclusion, and religious harmony, the group emphasized. It cited cordial relations with the Muslim community under the leadership of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), as well as inclusive governance practices.
The statement noted that the Governor has appointed qualified Muslims to key positions in his administration and sponsored hundreds of Muslim pilgrims to Mecca in 2023, 2024, and 2025—efforts that have earned him commendation from the National Hajj Commission.
“He has invested in road infrastructure, healthcare facilities, schools, and other developmental projects in Muslim-majority communities, and maintained open lines of communication with Muslim leaders to address concerns amicably,” the group stated.
Describing MURIC’s accusations as malicious, divisive, and unjustified, the group condemned Professor Akintola’s remarks—particularly those branding Plateau women as collaborators in violence—as “crude, sexist, and unbecoming of his academic standing.”
“Such sweeping generalizations are not only offensive but dangerously dehumanizing,” it added.
The group called on MURIC to embrace truth and objectivity in its religious advocacy, warning that propaganda laced with bitterness and prejudice only undermines peace efforts.
“We urge all well-meaning Nigerians, especially the Muslim Ummah in Plateau and across the nation, to disregard the baseless claims by Professor Akintola,” the statement said.
The group further called on security and intelligence agencies to closely monitor MURIC’s activities and investigate any actions that may threaten national peace and cohesion.
They reaffirmed their unwavering support for Governor Mutfwang’s administration, praising his leadership and commitment to inclusiveness in a volatile environment.
“Let it be known that Plateau State belongs to all—Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths. The light of truth will always outshine the darkness of deceit,” the statement concluded.
