Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has announced a series of tough security measures following renewed attacks in parts of the state, declaring that his administration would not allow communities to be overrun by violence.
The governor made the declaration on Sunday during sympathy visits to attacked communities in Barkin Ladi and Bassa Local Government Areas, where he also held a strategic security meeting with stakeholders.
Addressing grieving residents in Nding community, Barkin Ladi LGA, Governor Mutfwang assured victims that the state government would intensify efforts to secure lives and property, insisting that Plateau “will not go down.”
“We have not come to make speeches,” the Governor said. “I have been on this matter since it started. I have been in touch with the local government chairman and security agencies trying to contain the situation, and I decided to come here to see things for myself.”
Accompanied by the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, the Governor met with widows, children and survivors of the attacks, offering condolences to families who lost loved ones.
Mutfwang said the government had already identified gaps within the security architecture and was working closely with security agencies to address emerging threats across affected communities.
“I assure you, by the grace of God, we will do something about it. You are going to see a lot of changes in the coming days,” he stated.
The Governor disclosed that there would be “readjustments and reorganisations” in security deployments around the affected areas as part of efforts to restore confidence and prevent further attacks.
As part of immediate measures announced at the stakeholders’ security meeting held at Gwol Motel in Barkin Ladi, Governor Mutfwang reiterated the ban on night mining activities across the state, directing that all mining operations must end by 5:00 p.m. daily.
He also announced a ban on night grazing and prohibited grazing by underage children, warning that violators would face sanctions.
The Governor said the measures became necessary to curb criminal activities and improve security surveillance in vulnerable communities.
He vowed that perpetrators of the attacks would not escape justice.
“The life of every Plateau citizen is precious, and we will do everything within our power to protect our people,” he said. “Those who take pleasure in killing and inflicting pain on others will not know peace.”
Governor Mutfwang also revealed that allegations concerning possible complicity by some security personnel in recent attacks would be investigated thoroughly.
“We have heard rumours about the possibility of one of the security personnel being involved in the killing of people. We are going to pursue it to its logical conclusion,” he said.
Despite the concerns, the Governor commended security agencies for preventing the violence from escalating further into surrounding communities and urged residents not to lose confidence in security operatives.
“We must not turn our minds against the security agencies. Most of them are doing very, very well,” he stated.
He appealed to residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence, urging communities to remain vigilant and united.
“Once you hear something, let us know quickly. Once you see something, raise the alarm immediately, and we are going to do all we can to respond appropriately,” he added.
The Governor further assured farmers that adequate security arrangements would be put in place ahead of the farming season.
“I want to assure those preparing to go to farm this year: prepare to go back to farm. We will ensure that you not only farm, but that you return safely,” he told residents.
He also disclosed that government would subsidise fertiliser distribution to support agricultural activities in affected communities.
Governor Mutfwang maintained that Plateau State would not surrender to violence or criminality under his administration.
“By the grace of God, Plateau will be preserved,” he declared.
The Governor also appealed to the media to avoid narratives capable of discouraging visitors and investors, insisting that Plateau remained the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”
Speaking during the visit, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, expressed solidarity with the affected communities and assured them of the Federal Government’s support through humanitarian interventions and recovery efforts.
Youth leaders under the Plateau Youth Council (PYC), representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), and traditional rulers led by the Gwom Rwei of Barkin Ladi commended the Governor for his swift response and continued engagement with affected communities.
The stakeholders also agreed to convene broader security consultations aimed at addressing emerging concerns and strengthening peaceful coexistence across communities.
Governor Mutfwang later visited Ngbrazongo village in Kwall District of Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa Local Government Area, where he sympathised with residents over another recent attack that claimed innocent lives.
He assured the community that additional security measures would be deployed to prevent future occurrences.
The District Head of Kwall and Chairman of the Irigwe Development Association commended the Governor for visiting the remote community and appealed for stronger security presence as the farming season approaches.
Monday’s visits formed part of the state government’s broader response to renewed insecurity in parts of Plateau State, amid growing concerns over attacks on rural communities and farming settlements.
