From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Friday convened a State Security Council meeting to review recent tragic incidents that claimed innocent lives in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area and other parts of the state.
The meeting, held at the Government House in Jos, was attended by heads of security agencies and key government officials.
Mutfwang commended security personnel for what he described as swift and proactive interventions that prevented further escalation of tensions. He, however, urged them to intensify surveillance and operations, particularly in rural communities where isolated skirmishes have been reported.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the governor condemned what he termed mischievous attempts by certain individuals to portray Plateau negatively in the wake of the recent incidents. He warned against inflammatory statements capable of inciting unrest, stressing that such actions would attract the full weight of the law.
“We have just concluded a high-level Security Council Meeting where we carefully examined developments of the past two weeks. We experienced the unfortunate mining incident in Wase, which claimed several lives and remains under investigation. We have also witnessed condemnable and unacceptable attacks in some communities. Government is determined to address these challenges decisively,” he said.
The governor extended condolences on behalf of the government and people of Plateau State to families who lost loved ones, assuring them of government’s solidarity and commitment to restoring calm.
“I commiserate with the families who lost their loved ones. Their pain is our pain. Many of these deaths were avoidable. We assure Plateau citizens that we will continue to take firm and proactive measures to prevent any recurrence,” he added.
Mutfwang disclosed that two of the incidents involved attacks on commuters, while another occurred in Dorowa village, where residents were targeted.
“In most of these cases, the victims were innocent citizens going about their lawful activities. Security agencies are on the trail of the perpetrators, and we will ensure they are brought to justice. Every life on the Plateau is sacred. Government will not fold its arms while criminal elements attempt to undermine our collective peace,” he said.
The governor also issued a warning against unauthorized road blockages across the state.
“Henceforth, anyone who blocks a highway without authorization will not be tolerated. Highways and access roads are public assets meant for all citizens. Only duly authorized security agencies have the mandate to restrict movement when necessary. No grievance justifies taking the law into one’s hands,” he warned.
He further stressed that community leaders would be held accountable for incidents occurring within their jurisdictions, particularly attacks or unlawful killings along highways.
Dismissing claims that Plateau roads are unsafe, Mutfwang described such narratives as exaggerated and misleading.
“Plateau roads are safe. Plateau people are peace-loving. Those amplifying isolated incidents to tarnish the image of our state are engaging in mischief. We will not allow misinformation, especially on social media, to erode the hard-earned peace we have built over the last six months,” he said.
Also speaking, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, assured residents that security agencies were working collaboratively to apprehend those responsible for the disturbances.
“We are firmly on the trail of these miscreants. All service chiefs are working in synergy to ensure they are arrested and prosecuted. Plateau remains safe,” he stated, dismissing as false reports alleging the discovery of a corpse in an isolated location.
The meeting was attended by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Eyitayo Oyinlola; Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo; Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Samuel Jatau; Chief of Staff, Hon. Jeremiah Satmark; and other top security and government officials.