ABUJA: Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang says efforts to tackle the recurring security challenges in the state are beginning to yield progress, expressing optimism that a lasting solution to the attacks is within reach.
Mutfwang disclosed this after meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, where he briefed the President on the security situation in Plateau and measures being taken by his administration to restore peace.
“There’s light at the end of the tunnel. All we need is constancy,” the governor said, explaining that the state government was pursuing both military and non-military approaches to address the crisis.
He said his administration was engaging communities to encourage peaceful coexistence while also ensuring that individuals responsible for attacks are brought to justice.
“We are beginning to prosecute people. We are making sure. I can tell you that a lot is happening, and we are very hopeful,” Mutfwang said.
Following the meeting, the governor said he briefed Tinubu on the security challenges confronting Plateau and the steps being taken by his administration to strengthen security across affected communities.
Mutfwang said the President received the briefing and expressed his commitment to the peace and wellbeing of residents of the state.
The governor also called for the fast-tracking of critical security interventions, including the deployment of security cameras donated to Plateau during the President’s previous visit.
According to him, the cameras would complement the Plateau Security and Information Centre by improving intelligence gathering, surveillance, early warning systems and rapid response capabilities.
Mutfwang added that his administration had established a subcommittee to review issues raised during earlier engagements with stakeholders and identify practical solutions.
He said the committee had submitted its report, with discussions expected to continue.
“We need to rebuild the walls of trust. We need to rebuild confidence in government and in governance,” the governor said.
The meeting came against the backdrop of renewed attacks in parts of Plateau State, particularly Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu and Riyom Local Government Areas.
On September 29, three women were reportedly killed and another person injured when gunmen attacked a mining site in Rakum community, Barkin Ladi.
The incident followed another attack on a mining site in Marit village, also in Barkin Ladi, on September 26, 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 September 19 and 20.
The repeated violence has displaced residents and disrupted economic activities in affected communities.
In response, the Plateau 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 intervention comprises ₦1 billion donated by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and ₦500 million contributed by the Plateau State Government.
Mutfwang told President Tinubu that the state government planned to rebuild communities devastated by the attacks to facilitate the safe and orderly return of internally displaced persons to their homes.
He said the rebuilding programme would extend beyond immediate financial assistance, with the government also focusing on restoring livelihoods and reconstructing affected communities.
The governor also briefed the President on interventions in other sectors, including transportation, education and healthcare.
Among the measures highlighted were the introduction of metro buses and efforts to revitalise rail services.
According to Mutfwang, Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the interventions, particularly their potential to improve transportation and access to essential services.
