‘Please forgive us’ – Mutfwang apologises to Igbos over state’s role during civil war
Plateau State Governor Apologizes to Igbo Community for Civil War Role
JOS, Nigeria — Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has issued a formal apology to the Igbo community for the state’s involvement in the Nigerian civil war, which transpired from 1967 to 1970. The apology was made during an interactive session held at the Government House in Jos on Sunday, where Mutfwang engaged with Igbo leaders from all 17 local government areas of the state.
Mutfwang indicated that the people of Plateau State were misled into participating in the conflict by the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon, a native of the state who served as Nigeria’s head of state during the war. He urged both the Igbo and Plateau communities to move beyond historical grievances and strengthen their unity.
“I apologize to the Igbos so that we can put the past behind us and continue to foster unity. We have become one family because our people were deceived into going to war, and we regret it. We must close that chapter and move forward,” Mutfwang stated.
The governor praised the Igbo community for its significant contributions to Plateau State’s socio-economic development, labeling them as vital partners in the state’s progress toward self-sufficiency. He noted that Plateau has remained one of the most welcoming states for the Igbo since the end of the civil war and mentioned that compensation has been offered for some losses incurred during this period.
“We must unite. We want the Igbos to regard us as their brothers and sisters, and together we must create an enabling environment where everyone can prosper,” he emphasized, encouraging Igbo entrepreneurs in Plateau to mentor and invest in local businesses.
During the session, Chief Chidi Onah, President-General of the Igbo Community in Plateau State, commended Mutfwang for his inclusive leadership and dedication to peaceful coexistence. He announced the community’s unanimous endorsement of Mutfwang for a second term in the upcoming 2027 governorship election, citing his competence and commitment to equity as reasons for their support.
“We hereby endorse Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the consensus candidate of the Igbo community for the 2027 governorship election,” Onah said. “He has promoted peaceful coexistence and created a business-friendly environment. He stood by us during the demise of our traditional ruler and has consistently engaged stakeholders to promote unity among the diverse ethnic groups in Plateau State.”
Onah further acknowledged Mutfwang’s developmental efforts, claiming that Plateau now offers a more conducive environment for business and investment. He expressed gratitude for the governor’s actions regarding compensation for disputed properties, urging Nigerians across various ethnicities and religions to support Mutfwang’s administration.
