After more than 50 years Nigeria’s civil war ended, the people of Plateau State have seen the need to apologise to the Igbo for joining the rest of Nigeria in fighting against them.
The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang tendered the heartfelt collective public apology on behalf of his people and asked Ndigbo to forgive them.
He offered the apology on Sunday July 19, 2026 during an interactive session with leaders of Igbo communities from the 17 Local Governments of the state, who were on courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Jos.
“I apologise to the Igbos so that we can put the past behind us and continue to foster unity,” Mutfwang said, adding that “we must close that chapter and move forward”.
Mutfwang made it clear that “our people were deceived into going to war, and we regret it”.
Like the other minority tribes in the old Northern region, the people of Plateau State beguiled into believing that Igbos were their enemies and they fully mobilised and fought with federal forces against Biafran forces.
The war was imposed on the old Eastern Region and fought mainly by the military administration of Gen. Yakubu Gowon.
Gowon, an indigene of Plateau State, was Nigeria’s head of state at the time of the civil war. Though he has acknowledged that his government made mistakes in waging the war, Gowon, who is now a nonagenarian, is yet to make any apology for the role he played.
But the Plateau chief executive regretted the role played by the people of the state, stressing the need to put the past behind as according to him, the Igbo and Plateau people “have become one family”.
Mutfwang appealed to Ndigbo, as well as Plateau people to put the past behind them and forge ahead to strengthen the bonds of unity existing between them.
“We must unite. We want Igbos to regard us as their brothers and sisters, and together we must create an enabling environment where everyone can prosper,” he stated.
Mutfwang appealed to Igbo businessmen in Plateau to support indigenous entrepreneurs through mentorship and investment, noting that Ndigbo have become agents of development in any place they live.
He commended the Igbo community for its contributions to the socio-economic development of Plateau State, describing them as “wonderful partners in progress and an integral part of the state’s march towards self-sustenance”.
The Governor noted that Plateau State has continued to remain one of the most accommodating states for the Igbo people since the end of the civil war, adding that compensation was paid for some losses suffered during the conflict.
He pointed out that while “Nigeria is a great country, no ethnic group has demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit more than the Igbo”.
Mutfwang, therefore, encouraged Ndigbo “to replicate that same spirit in Plateau” where they have made a home, participating in the socioeconomic activities without any hindrance.
“I also appeal to Igbo business owners to employ and train young Plateau indigenes,” he said.
President-General of the Igbo Community in Plateau State, Chief Chidi Onah, who spoke on behalf of Ndigbo in the state, commended Mutfwang for his inclusive leadership, prudent management of resources and commitment to peaceful coexistence in the state.
