Enough of religious profiling against Governor Mutfwang, says Jos based Islamic scholar

A respected Islamic scholar and indigene of Jos, Plateau State, Muhammad Abubakar, has strongly condemned the recent petition allegedly authored by Alhaji Kabiru Gwamlar, who identified himself as the Secretary of Plateau State Muslim Indigenes.

In a statement made available to journalists, Abubakar expressed disappointment over what he described as baseless insinuations and unfounded accusations against the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.

He questioned the authenticity of the petition, wondering whether Gwamlar was acting under any legitimate mandate. “As a Muslim from Plateau, I am not aware of any forum that authorized him to write such a divisive and unfounded petition in the name of Muslims,” he stated. “If indeed Alhaji Kabiru Gwamlar exists and was not conjured for the sole purpose of mischief, then he must be speaking from the deep recesses of personal bias.”

Abubakar further criticized the attempt to pitch indigenous Muslims against the governor, saying it was nothing more than an unfortunate misadventure. He accused Gwamlar of spreading hatred and misinformation in a bid to sow disunity in the state.

“I wholly condemn the recurring acts of terror and violence in rural communities across Plateau State, regardless of who the victims are,” he said. He warned that shadowy elements appeared to be behind the persistent insecurity in the state, working against Governor Mutfwang’s peace-driven vision.

Abubakar stated that no community in the state had been neglected by the governor. “From Kanam to Wase, Mangu, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, or Langtang, his actions speak louder than words,” he added.

He described Governor Mutfwang as a rare leader marked by empathy, fairness, and proactive leadership, especially in responding to the attacks in Kukawa and other affected areas.

Contrary to claims that 70 persons were killed in the Kukawa incident, Abubakar stated that verified records from Kanam Local Government put the number of deaths at 12. “Although this remains a tragedy, it is far from the exaggerated figure peddled by Gwamlar,” he said.

He clarified that the governor responded promptly to the incident by directing his Chief Security Officer and the Local Government leadership to investigate. A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, he noted, further clarified the situation.

“What Governor Mutfwang needs now is our collective support, not needless profiling,” Abubakar said. “As a proud Muslim in Plateau, I refuse to be misrepresented by elements who sow discord in the name of faith.”

He urged citizens to unite and protect the peace of Plateau State, stressing that religion should not be used as a tool for political or ethnic division. “Governor Mutfwang has shown courage and integrity, and I stand with him not because of sentiment, but because of truth and justice,” he affirmed.

He concluded with a call for unity: “Let us focus on the things that bind us, not those that tear us apart. Plateau is our home, and we must guard its peace jealously.”

The statement was signed by Muhammad Abubakar, an Islamic scholar and indigene of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State.