Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has apologised to the Igbo community over the state’s involvement in events during the Nigerian Civil War, asking them to forgive the past and work towards strengthening unity.
Mutfwang gave the apology on Sunday during an interactive meeting with Igbo leaders from the 17 local government areas of Plateau State at the Government House in Jos.
The governor said many Plateau people were drawn into the 1967–1970 war under the influence of the military government led by then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, an indigene of the state.
“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.
He urged both Plateau residents and the Igbo community to move beyond the painful memories of the conflict and focus on building stronger relationships.
Mutfwang described the Igbo community as a key contributor to Plateau’s economic growth, praising their role in the state’s development and describing them as partners in progress.
He said Plateau had remained a welcoming home for Igbos since the end of the civil war, adding that some affected individuals had received compensation for losses linked to the conflict.
“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 appealed to Igbo business owners in the state to support young Plateau entrepreneurs through mentorship, training and investment.
“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,” he said.
He further urged business owners to create opportunities for Plateau youths by employing and training them.
Responding, President-General of the Igbo Community in Plateau State, Chief Chidi Onah, commended Mutfwang’s leadership style, describing his administration as inclusive and committed to peaceful coexistence.
Onah also announced the community’s endorsement of Mutfwang for a second term in the 2027 governorship election, citing his leadership record and efforts to promote unity.
“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,” Onah said.
He praised the governor for creating a more favourable environment for businesses and investments, while acknowledging the administration’s response to property-related disputes involving some members of the Igbo community.
“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.
