Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has formally apologised to the Igbo community for the role played by Plateau people during the Nigerian Civil War, describing it as a painful chapter in the nation’s history and calling for lasting reconciliation and unity.
The governor made the emotional appeal during an interactive meeting with leaders of the Igbo community drawn from the 17 local government areas of Plateau State at the Government House, Jos, on Sunday.
Speaking at the meeting, Mutfwang said Plateau people were misled into participating in the 1967–1970 civil war by the military government of then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who hails from Plateau State, stressing that it was time for both communities to forgive the past and strengthen their longstanding relationship.
“I apologise 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 said.
The governor praised the Igbo community for its enduring contributions to the economic and social development of Plateau State, describing them as indispensable partners in the state’s growth and prosperity.
He noted that Plateau had remained one of the most welcoming states for the Igbo people since the end of the civil war, adding that compensation had been paid for some of the losses suffered during the conflict.
Calling for stronger collaboration between both communities, Mutfwang urged Ndigbo to continue seeing Plateau as home while encouraging successful Igbo entrepreneurs to invest in the development of indigenous businesses.
“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 said.
The governor also commended the entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo people, describing it as unmatched in Nigeria, and appealed to business owners within the community to help develop local capacity.
“Nigeria is a great country, and no ethnic group has demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit more than the Igbo. I encourage you to replicate that same spirit in Plateau. I also appeal to Igbo business owners to employ and train young Plateau indigenes,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the Igbo community, the President-General of the Igbo Community in Plateau State, Chief Chidi Onah, commended Governor Mutfwang for what he described as inclusive leadership, prudent management of state resources and his commitment to peaceful coexistence among the state’s diverse ethnic groups.
Onah also announced the community’s endorsement of the governor for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“We hereby endorse Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the consensus candidate of the Igbo community for the 2027 governorship election. This endorsement is based on his competence, integrity, proven leadership and commitment to equity.
“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 stated.
The Igbo leader further applauded the governor’s developmental strides, saying Plateau had become more conducive for business and investment under his administration.
“Igbo people have lived in Plateau since before Nigeria’s independence. We appreciate the governor for compensating some of our members over disputed properties and urge Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides to support his administration,” he added.
