By Christiana Gokyon, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has announced a ban on night mining, night grazing, and underage grazing as part of efforts to strengthen security and restore order across the state.
Governor Mutfwang reiterated that all mining activities in the state must end by 5:00 p.m. daily, warning that night mining would no longer be tolerated.
The governor made the declaration during a sympathy visit to Nding community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area following the recent attack that claimed several lives and left many families devastated.
He was received by the Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Hon. Stephen Pwajok, and later met with widows, children, and survivors of the attack.
While consoling the victims, Governor Mutfwang assured the community that the state government would not abandon them.
“Nding community will not go down,” the governor declared.
He also announced a ban on night grazing and prohibited grazing by underage children, urging parents and livestock owners to take responsibility for proper cattle management.
Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Plateau State, stressing that the government would not surrender to violence and criminality.
“I have been on this matter since it started. I have been in touch with the local government chairman and security agencies to contain the situation, and I decided to come here to see things for myself,” he stated.
The governor directed security agencies to intensify efforts toward identifying and prosecuting those behind the attacks, assuring residents that the state government would continue strengthening the security architecture to guarantee lasting peace and stability.
He commended security agencies for their prompt response and efforts in preventing the violence from escalating into Barkin Ladi town, adding that any security personnel found complicit in the attacks would be investigated and brought to justice.
Governor Mutfwang was accompanied on the visit by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, alongside other government officials and stakeholders, who expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
At a strategic security stakeholders’ meeting held at Gwol Motel, Barkin Ladi, attended by religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth representatives, and community stakeholders across ethnic divides, the governor vowed that perpetrators of attacks in Barkin Ladi and other parts of Plateau State would not escape justice.
According to him, the life of every Plateau citizen is precious, and the government would do everything within its power to protect the people.
“Those who take pleasure in killing and inflicting pain on others will not know peace,” he said.
The governor also appealed to the media to avoid narratives capable of discouraging visitors and investors, insisting that Plateau remains the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”
He further assured farmers that the government would secure farming communities ahead of the planting season and subsidize fertilizer distribution to support agricultural activities.
“Prepare to return to your farms and do so safely,” he told residents.
Speaking during the visit, the 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), alongside representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), and traditional institutions led by the Gwom Rwei of Barkin Ladi, commended the governor for his swift response and continued engagement with affected communities.
They also agreed to convene a broader security meeting to address emerging concerns and promote lasting peace in line with the governor’s directive.
Governor Mutfwang also visited Ngbrazongo village in Kwall District of Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa Local Government Area, where he sympathized with residents over another recent attack that claimed innocent lives.
He assured the community that additional security measures would be implemented to prevent future occurrences.
Similarly, Dr. Bernard Doro sympathized with the affected residents and pledged support toward strengthening community recovery efforts.
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 measures, especially as the farming season approaches.
