Renowned Nollywood director, Dimbo Atiya, has joined the growing list of Plateau citizens speaking out against the recent video by social media activist VeryDarkBlackMan (VDM), which harshly criticized Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
Atiya, in a viral response, said he felt compelled to speak not just because of the attack on the governor, but because of the misinformation being spread about the recent killings in Bokkos and Bassa.
He acknowledged that VDM has grown into an influential voice in Nigeria, sometimes raising important issues, but stated that this time, VDM got it completely wrong.
According to Atiya, there is a difference between activism and recklessness. He said, “You insult somebody and then you mess up the entire thing. That’s what’s bringing some of us out to reply you.”
He faulted VDM for insulting a “duly elected governor,” saying such behavior shows a lack of maturity and respect for leadership, even in moments of crisis.
Atiya noted that while he has sometimes agreed with VDM’s points in the past, this particular outburst was personal for him because of the deep impact the killings have had on the people of Plateau State.
He described the governor as a man of integrity and wisdom, worthy of respect during such trying times.
In correcting the narrative, Atiya clarified the issue of the 36 cows allegedly prioritized over human lives. He said VDM misinterpreted the situation entirely.
He explained that the cows in question belonged to a local herder and were reportedly poisoned. The governor called for an investigation, not because he valued cows over people, but to prevent reprisal attacks and escalation.
Atiya reminded VDM and the public that the President of Nigeria had already ordered a full investigation into the human killings, with security agencies actively involved.
“Please tell me,” Atiya asked, “how is Barrister Caleb Mutfwang supposed to go and order another investigation when the President has already done so?”
He emphasized that the governor’s role at that point was to maintain peace and prevent the volatile situation from spiraling into further violence.
Referencing Plateau’s history of conflict, Atiya stressed that “a small thing sparks riots,” and Mutfwang’s approach was to calm the situation through wisdom and communication.
He also pointed out that people who politicize the crisis are doing more harm than good, and now is the time for unity, not opposition.
Atiya called VDM’s remarks “uninformed and sentimental,” adding that the activist should have done his research before speaking so publicly.
He said security forces confirmed that the incident with the cows was criminal and unrelated to the prior killings in Bokkos and Bassa.
According to Operation Safe Haven, 32 cows belonging to a local herder were poisoned under suspicious circumstances in an open field, not while trespassing on farmland.
Atiya expressed disappointment that such critical context was ignored in VDM’s video, which instead framed the situation as a case of misplaced priorities.
He said the government’s response was both sensitive and strategic, focusing on preserving peace while supporting security efforts to find lasting solutions.
In his words, “This is not the time to play politics. There is a huge agenda against Plateau State. We must unite and protect our people, not destroy our leaders.”
He urged VDM and others to verify facts, approach issues with sensitivity, and understand that real leadership involves difficult decisions in tough times.
