By Ayomide Otitoju
The Plateau State Government convened an emergency security council meeting following a surge in violent incidents that have heightened tension in Jos and other parts of the state.
The meeting, chaired by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, brought together the Deputy Governor, senior government officials, and heads of security agencies.
Addressing reporters after the session on Friday, Governor Mutfwang said the council reviewed security developments over the past two weeks, including a mining-related incident in Wase Local Government Area and several attacks that claimed lives in different locations. He extended condolences to the victims’ families, describing many of the deaths as preventable.
“We have just finished a very high-level security council meeting where we examined all that has happened on the Plateau in recent days,” the governor said, adding that measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence. He commended security agencies for their prompt response and pledged ongoing efforts to improve reaction times to distress calls.
Governor Mutfwang condemned attacks on travellers and communities, stressing that unlawful actions would not be tolerated. “Every life on the Plateau is sacred, and the government will not sit idle and allow people to take the law into their hands,” he said. He announced that only authorised law enforcement agencies would be permitted to block highways going forward and warned that communities or individuals responsible for harming travellers would be held accountable.
Dismissing claims that Plateau roads were unsafe, Mutfwang said such reports mischaracterised isolated incidents. He urged residents to remain law-abiding and vigilant, and cautioned against the spread of misinformation and incitement on social media, warning that the government would take action against those fueling violence online. He also commended youths for exercising restraint amid recent provocations.
Also speaking, Plateau State Commissioner of Police Bassey Ewah said security agencies are employing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to reassure residents and restore confidence.
“Where the need arises, the law will be applied without prejudice to anybody,” Ewah said, adding that security operatives are actively pursuing those responsible for recent attacks. He assured that coordinated efforts by all service chiefs are ongoing to apprehend perpetrators and maintain peace across Plateau State.
