Plateau governor says peace efforts are beginning to show promise

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang says a lasting solution to recurring attacks in the state is beginning to emerge after he briefed President Bola Tinubu on the security situation and his administration’s response. Mr Mutfwang made the comments after meeting the president in Lagos. He said the government was combining military action with non-military measures, including engagement with communities to promote peaceful coexistence.

The governor also said authorities were pursuing those responsible for attacks. “We are beginning to prosecute people,” he said, adding that the state was hopeful about progress and that “there’s light at the end of the tunnel”. In a statement after the meeting, Mr Mutfwang said Mr Tinubu had received an account of the security challenges facing Plateau and expressed commitment to the peace and wellbeing of its residents.

The governor said he hoped the deployment of security cameras donated to the state during the president’s last visit would be accelerated. He said the cameras would support the Plateau Security and Information Centre by improving intelligence gathering, surveillance, early warning and rapid response. The meeting followed renewed violence in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu and Riyom local government areas.

Recent reported attacks included incidents at mining sites in Barkin Ladi, where several people were killed or injured, as well as other attacks in neighbouring communities. The violence has displaced residents and disrupted livelihoods. Mr Mutfwang said the state had announced a ₦1.5 billion humanitarian intervention for 1,571 affected households.

The package includes ₦1 billion donated by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and ₦500 million from the state government. He said plans also involved rebuilding damaged communities and restoring livelihoods to support the safe return of internally displaced people.