By Sunny A. David, Awka
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has apologised to the Igbo community for the role played by people from the state during the Nigerian Civil War, saying they were misled into participating in the conflict.
Speaking during an interactive meeting with Igbo leaders drawn from the 17 local government areas of Plateau State at the Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, the governor called for reconciliation and urged both sides to leave the painful memories of the civil war behind.
General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s Head of State during the 1967–1970 Civil War, is from present-day Plateau State.
Mutfwang praised the Igbo community for its immense contributions to the economic and social development of Plateau State, describing them as an important part of the state’s growth. He noted that Plateau has remained one of the most welcoming states for the Igbo since the end of the war and recalled that compensation had been paid to some victims for losses suffered during the conflict.
“I apologise to the Igbos so that we can put the past behind us and continue to foster unity. Our people were deceived into going to war, and we regret it. We must close that chapter and move forward,” the governor said.
He stressed the need for stronger unity among Nigerians, adding that the Igbo should continue to see the people of Plateau as brothers and sisters working together for shared prosperity.
The governor also encouraged Igbo entrepreneurs operating in Plateau to invest more in the state by mentoring and employing young Plateau indigenes. He described the Igbo as one of Nigeria’s most entrepreneurial ethnic groups and urged them to extend that spirit by supporting local businesses and creating more employment opportunities.
During the meeting, the Igbo Community in Plateau State endorsed Governor Mutfwang for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement was announced by the President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA), Chief Chidi Onah, who described the governor as a competent, fair and inclusive leader committed to peaceful coexistence and economic development.
Onah said the governor had created a favourable environment for business, supported the community during difficult moments, including the death of its traditional ruler, and consistently promoted unity among the state’s diverse ethnic groups.
He added that the Igbo community, which has lived in Plateau since before Nigeria’s independence, appreciated the governor’s efforts in resolving property disputes and compensating some affected members.
Also speaking, the immediate past President-General of the Igbo Community Association, Chief Mike Ifeanyi Okunonke, described the Igbo as peace-loving people committed to the development of Plateau State.
He said the community’s support for Governor Mutfwang was based on his performance and leadership qualities rather than political party affiliation, promising to mobilise members across the state’s 17 local government areas to support his re-election.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Igbo Affairs, Barrister Jonah Okechukwu Ezekweme, commended Mutfwang for fostering an environment where the Igbo community could thrive. He urged members of the community to continue working with the government to promote economic growth, investment and job creation.
Earlier, High Chief Felix O. Akpunku welcomed members of the Igbo community on behalf of the governor and praised the administration’s developmental projects, describing it as committed to inclusive governance and sustainable development.
The event also featured the formal presentation of the new President-General of the Igbo Community Association, Chief Chidi Onah, by his predecessor, Chief Mike Ifeanyi Okunonke.
Other speakers, including Chief Dr. Nelson Mkparu and Hon. Maureen Odilimuo, applauded the governor’s inclusive leadership and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to partnering with the Plateau State Government in promoting peace, unity and sustainable development.
