Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday visited communities in Barkin Ladi and Bassa Local Government Areas recently affected by deadly attacks, assuring residents that those responsible would be brought to justice.
The governor’s visit followed renewed violence in parts of the state, including a mining-related clash in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area that reportedly claimed the lives of seven persons, among them a police inspector.
During his visit to the Nding community in Barkin Ladi, where several residents were killed, Mutfwang sympathised with bereaved families, widows, orphans and survivors, promising that the state government would continue to stand with the affected communities.
According to the governor, he had been actively monitoring the situation since the violence began and had remained in contact with local authorities and security agencies to prevent further escalation.
Mutfwang commended security operatives for swiftly containing the crisis and stopping the violence from spreading into Barkin Ladi town.
He, however, warned that any security personnel found to have aided or compromised operations during the attacks would face investigation and disciplinary action.
Speaking during a security stakeholders’ meeting held at Gwol Motel in Barkin Ladi, the governor declared that every resident of Plateau deserved protection regardless of ethnicity or religion.
The meeting was attended by traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth representatives and other stakeholders from the affected communities.
As part of measures aimed at addressing insecurity, the governor reiterated the ban on night mining activities across Plateau State, directing that all mining operations must end by 5 p.m. daily.
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He also announced restrictions on night grazing and prohibited underage children from engaging in livestock herding, urging parents and livestock owners to take responsibility for their animals.
Mutfwang stated that his administration would not tolerate criminal activities under any guise, adding that security agencies had been instructed to intensify operations aimed at identifying and prosecuting perpetrators of violence across the state.
The governor also appealed to media organisations to avoid reports capable of deepening divisions or discouraging investors and tourists from visiting Plateau.
Describing Plateau as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” Mutfwang assured farmers of improved security ahead of the planting season and pledged government support through the distribution of subsidised fertilisers.