The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly criticized Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, for asking that soldiers be withdrawn from troubled areas in the state. The group believes the request is suspicious and dangerous.
In a statement released on Wednesday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, said there may be a hidden reason behind the governor’s request. He wondered why the governor would want soldiers to leave at a time when killings and attacks are still happening in the state.
Governor Mutfwang made the request during his visit to Jebbu Bindi community in Riyom Local Government Area. This area was recently attacked by suspected Fulani militias, and 27 people were killed. During the visit, the governor asked military leaders to remove soldiers from these areas and bring in mobile police officers instead.
But MURIC rejected the governor’s call. Prof. Akintola said the group finds the request strange and believes there’s more to it than meets the eye. He questioned why any leader would want to remove security forces from areas where people are still being attacked.
He said the situation in Plateau and North Central Nigeria shows a history of hiding the truth about violence. According to him, the state has covered up incidents involving killings, burning of homes, and looting. He accused the Plateau government of using tricks and manipulation.
Akintola also accused some women in the state of secretly helping the attackers. He claimed they hide the attackers and feed them during violent events. He said these women also protest against soldiers by going naked, even though they know their people have killed innocent Nigerians.
The MURIC leader believes the governor’s call to remove soldiers is a dangerous plan that could put the lives of Muslims in danger. He also questioned why the governor prefers mobile police. Akintola suggested that this might be because many mobile policemen come from Plateau, Benue, and other nearby states.
He accused the governor of trying to bring in local officers who might take sides and harm innocent Muslims and Fulani people.
