A group under the auspices of the ‘Vanguard for the Voice of Reasoning’ has lampooned Islamic rights group, the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, over what it described as “baseless” allegations against Plateau State Governor, Caleb Murfwang, with claims that his alleged call for the withdrawal of the military from crisis spots in the state was a sinister move to target Muslims.

MURIC had, in a statement by its Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, accused Governor Mutfwang, of calling for the withdrawal of soldiers from troubled zones in the state and replacing them with mobile policemen as part of an agenda to exterminate Muslims and Fulani people.

But in a statement signed on Friday by the Vanguard’s Chairman, James Buba, the group said it was quite unfortunate that Akintola would decide to blackmail Gov. Mutfwang with such an accusation.

Buba said the allegations were not only inciting and misleading but also inflammatory and untrue and reeks of deliberate mischief, designed to distort facts, sow discord, and incite ethno-religious tension in an already fragile security environment.

He stressed that at no time did the governor make a direct call for the withdrawal of military personnel from any part state but on the contrary, has consistently emphasized the need for a united and collaborative approach among all security agencies, the military, police, civil defense, and local vigilantes, to effectively combat the complex security challenges facing the state.

Buba who strongly condemned the MURIC Director for trying to fan the embers of hatred against the Mutfwang-led administration, noted it was a gross misdemeanor and disheartening that Prof. Akintola failed to acknowledge or condemn the heinous act of violence on the citizens of the state by Fulani militias, only for him to choose to weaponize falsehood in the name of religion.

“During Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s visit to the Jebbu Bindi community where 27 people were killed and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed by Fulani militias, he sympathized with the grieving community, called for calm, and urged them not to resort to reprisals,” the group said.

“He emphasized the importance of professionalism among security personnel and acknowledged that while many are doing their best under difficult conditions, a few have fallen short. At no point did he call for the blanket removal of soldiers. His call was for accountability and improved synergy among agencies, not exclusion.”

Buba added that since assuming office, Gov Mutfwang has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to peace, inclusion, and religious harmony.

“The Muslim community in Plateau State, under the leadership of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), has continued to enjoy cordial and productive engagement with his administration. The Governor has not only respected the faith and culture of Muslim citizens but has also provided them with equal access to opportunities and services.

“He has appointed qualified Muslims into key positions of responsibility in his government, sponsored hundreds of Muslim faithful on pilgrimage to Mecca in 2023, 2024, and 2025, earning accolades from the National Hajj Commission, invested in road infrastructure, health facilities, schools, and other developmental projects in Muslim-majority communities and maintained open channels of dialogue with Muslim leaders to resolve concerns amicably and equitably when there is any.

“It is therefore malicious, divisive, and unjustifiable for MURIC to insinuate that the Governor harbors an anti-Muslim agenda. Prof. Akintola’s remarks, especially those branding Plateau women as collaborators in violence, are crude, sexist, and unbecoming of a person of his academic standing. Such sweeping generalizations are not only offensive but also dangerously dehumanizing.

“We must remind Prof. Akintola and MURIC that religious advocacy should be rooted in truth, objectivity, and a commitment to peace, not propaganda laced with bitterness and prejudice. MURIC’s statement is a regrettable attempt to undermine the peace-building efforts of the Plateau State Government and to ignite animosity where unity is desperately needed,” the group concluded.