Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State embarked on a compassionate visit to the displaced communities of Mushere and Tangor in Bokkos Local Government Area, ravaged by a spate of brutal terrorist attacks. His presence served as a beacon of hope and reassurance to the traumatized residents, bearing a message of solidarity and the government’s unwavering commitment to their welfare and security. Mutfwang’s visit underscored the gravity of the situation, with numerous lives tragically lost, homes reduced to rubble, and livelihoods shattered. The governor’s immediate response was to order a thorough needs assessment to facilitate the swift delivery of essential relief materials, prioritizing the most vulnerable members of the affected communities – women and children.
Addressing the hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) gathered in Mushere, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the community’s resilience in the face of relentless attacks over the preceding weeks. He commended the youth for their courageous collaboration with security agencies in defending their homeland. Recognizing Mushere’s strategic importance as a gateway to other communities, the governor vowed to thwart the attackers’ agenda of destabilizing the area to gain access to surrounding regions. He emphasized the historical significance of Mushere, the birthplace of Plateau State’s first civilian governor in the Fourth Republic, further solidifying his commitment to safeguarding its future.
Mutfwang seized the opportunity to address the youth, urging them to shun destructive habits like drug abuse and alcoholism, emphasizing their vital role in the community’s recovery and future. He called for unity and a shared commitment to overcome the challenges they faced. He also issued a stern warning against acts of betrayal, promising severe consequences for anyone found compromising the security of their communities for personal gain. This message underscored the governor’s resolve to address both internal and external threats to peace and security.
In Tangor, the governor reiterated his message of condolence and support, expressing his profound sorrow at the tragic loss of life and the deep shock that reverberated through the community. He reaffirmed his commitment to inter-community cooperation, peace-building, and infrastructural development as cornerstones of his administration’s approach to addressing the security crisis. Mutfwang’s personal connection to Tangor, referencing their support during his election campaign, underscored his genuine empathy and dedication to their well-being. He conveyed not only his condolences but also those of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing the federal government’s commitment to assisting Plateau State in its efforts to restore peace and security.
Governor Mutfwang outlined concrete steps being taken to enhance security, including reinforcing security presence, deploying additional personnel, and providing motorcycles to improve mobility across challenging terrain. He also addressed the critical need for improved infrastructure, highlighting plans to repair key rural roads to facilitate access for security operatives and emergency responders. These measures demonstrated a comprehensive approach to tackling the security challenges, addressing both immediate needs and long-term solutions.
The District Head of Horop, Miskaham Jonah Dawum, echoed the community’s concerns and needs, calling for the establishment of permanent security outposts in vulnerable areas, a proactive measure aimed at deterring future attacks. He also proposed the formation of a joint task force between Plateau and Nasarawa states to effectively track and neutralize criminal elements operating along the border regions, recognizing the need for inter-state cooperation to combat cross-border criminal activities. This collaborative approach would enhance regional security and address the challenges of porous borders. The governor’s visit, coupled with the community leader’s recommendations, highlighted a concerted effort to address the complex security issues plaguing the region and restore a sense of normalcy and safety to the affected communities.
Governor Mutfwang’s visit was more than a symbolic gesture; it was a demonstration of his commitment to the people of Plateau State, particularly those grappling with the devastating consequences of violence and displacement. He pledged not to abandon any community afflicted by violence, promising continued assessment of the security situation, deployment of reinforcements, and a proactive approach to safeguarding all parts of the state. His words, combined with his actions, aimed to instill hope and resilience in the hearts of the affected populations, assuring them that they were not alone in their struggle for peace and security. This proactive engagement and commitment to collaboration, both at the state and federal levels, offered a glimmer of hope for a brighter future, free from the scourge of violence and displacement that had plagued these communities.
