Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has clarified why he addressed residents from an Armoured Tank Carrier (ATC) following the deadly Palm Sunday attack in Jos, citing both security concerns and the need for effective communication.
Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, the governor explained that the elevated position provided by the ATC allowed him to better engage with the crowd during a tense and uncertain situation.
“Part of the reason they put me in the ATC was to gain height in order to address the crowd,” Mutfwang stated.
The incident, which has drawn significant attention online, sparked speculation over the governor’s safety at the scene. However, Mutfwang dismissed claims that he was under threat, describing his interaction with residents as largely peaceful.
According to him, the crowd welcomed his presence and reassured him of their support. “As I addressed the crowd and they were comfortable that I had arrived, they were calling me to come closer, assuring me there was no harm,” he said.
He further noted that circulating social media clips did not fully capture the context of his engagement, contributing to misconceptions about the situation.
While maintaining that he felt safe among the people, the governor acknowledged that security operatives remained vigilant throughout the encounter.
Mutfwang also disclosed that he had been in Abuja attending official engagements, including the APC National Convention and high-level security meetings, when news of the attack reached him.
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