Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has expressed optimism that a lasting solution to the recurring attacks in the state is in sight. Following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, Mr Mutfwang disclosed that the government was addressing the crisis through both military and non-military measures. He said the state government was engaging communities to promote peaceful coexistence while ensuring that those responsible for attacks face justice. The governor's comments come amid renewed attacks in Plateau, particularly in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu and Riyom local government areas.
According to Mr Mutfwang, he briefed President Tinubu on the security challenges facing Plateau and the measures his administration was taking to strengthen security. The governor said the president received the briefing and expressed commitment to the peace and wellbeing of Plateau residents. He also said that critical interventions, including the deployment of security cameras donated to the state during the president's last visit, would be fast-tracked. The cameras are expected to complement the Plateau Security and Information Centre and strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance, early warning and rapid response.
Mr Mutfwang's administration has established a subcommittee to examine issues raised during previous engagements with stakeholders and identify practical ways of addressing them. The committee has submitted its report and discussions would continue. The governor said that rebuilding the walls of trust and confidence in government and governance was crucial. He emphasized that the government was working to ensure that those responsible for attacks face justice, with prosecutions already underway.
The meeting comes amid renewed attacks in Plateau, with several incidents reported in recent weeks. On 29 September, three women were reportedly killed and another person injured when gunmen attacked a mining site in Rakum community, Barkin Ladi. The incident followed an attack on a mining site in Marit village, also in Barkin Ladi, on 26 September, where five miners were feared killed and two others injured. Earlier, at least nine people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed in separate attacks across Barkin Ladi and neighbouring communities between 19 and 20 September.
The repeated violence has also displaced residents and disrupted livelihoods in affected communities. The state government recently announced a ₦1.5 billion humanitarian intervention for 1,571 households affected by attacks in Bassa, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu. The funds comprised ₦1 billion donated by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and ₦500 million contributed by the Plateau State Government. The intervention aims to provide financial assistance, restore livelihoods and rebuild affected communities.
Mr Mutfwang told President Tinubu that the state government planned to rebuild communities devastated by attacks to facilitate the safe and orderly return of internally displaced persons to their homes. The governor also briefed the president on the state's interventions in transportation, education and healthcare, including the introduction of metro buses and the revitalisation of rail services. He said the president expressed satisfaction with the interventions, particularly their potential to improve mobility and access to essential services.
The governor's efforts to address the security challenges in Plateau have been ongoing, with a focus on both short-term and long-term solutions. While the situation remains volatile, Mr Mutfwang's optimism about a lasting solution is a welcome development. The state government's commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and ensuring that those responsible for attacks face justice is crucial to restoring peace and stability in the state.
Key points
- - Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang meets with President Bola Tinubu to discuss security challenges in the state. - The state government is addressing the crisis through both military and non-military measures. - A ₦1.5 billion humanitarian intervention has been announced to support households affected by attacks in Plateau.
