…Gov Mutfwang appraises conference as ‘significant and strategic.’
by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, says the (Tuesday’s) Special Discussion and Security Conference was “significant and strategic,” which brings together critical actors whose roles are indispensable in shaping lasting solutions, the government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and community representatives.
He reminded the audience that the task before them requires honesty, courage, and a willingness to confront difficult truths, and they must resist the temptation to apportion blame and, instead, focus on building consensus around practical, implementable solutions, saying, “Sustainable peace can only emerge where there is trust, fairness, and a shared commitment to the common good.”
Speaking at a one-day Conference of the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee at Crispan Hotel Jos on Tuesday, the governor was represented by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs Josephine Piyo.
The conference theme was ‘Restoring Stability and Unity, a Multi-Stakeholders Special Dialogue/Security Conference on Security in Plateau State and Beyond.’
He urged them to be mindful that “Unity is not automatic; it must be deliberately cultivated. We must reject narratives that divide us and instead promote values that bind us together as one people with a shared destiny.”
The governor buttressed that, “The expectations of our citizens are clear: they want safety, stability, and the freedom to pursue their livelihoods without fear. It is our collective responsibility to meet these expectations with urgency and sincerity.
“As a Government, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done,” he stated, and assured that, “We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders represented here to translate the outcomes of this dialogue into tangible actions.”
He also reminded participants that, “This dialogue reflects a clear recognition that the security situation in Plateau State is not isolated, but part of a broader national concern that demands collective action, strategic thinking, and sustained engagement.
“Over the years, successive administrations in Plateau State have grappled with recurring cycles of violent attacks and unrest where leaders such as Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye, Senator Jonah David Jang, and Senator Simon Lalong each confronted these challenges and made concerted efforts to address them.
“However, despite these interventions, the situation has persisted in varying degrees to the present day, despite the decisive steps taken to revamp the previously moribund state security outfit, ‘Operation Rainbow,’ including the recruitment of personnel across the state to strengthen early warning systems and enhance intelligence gathering.”
He noted that, “Government also established the Plateau Activity Centre, equipped with modern technology, including drone surveillance, to support coordinated security operations.
“Over 300 operational vehicles belonging to security agencies were refurbished, while motorcycles were procured to improve rapid response capabilities, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities.
“This was in recognizing the importance of non-kinetic approaches, the administration prioritized dialogue and reconciliation by reconstituting the Plateau State Inter-Faith Advisory Council. The Council has since demonstrated commendable leadership in fostering trust, promoting understanding, and addressing sensitive issues among diverse groups within the state.
“Notably, the State Capital had experienced increased patronage in its hospitality sector, with hotel occupancy rates ranking among the highest in Northern Nigeria. This reflects growing confidence among visitors, investors, and business stakeholders, who continue to engage in economic activities across the state, until the recent temporary setback.
“However, we must be clear: while the challenges are real, they are neither insurmountable nor beyond resolution. Security goes beyond the deployment of personnel and resources; it encompasses justice, inclusion, economic opportunity, and the assurance that every citizen, regardless of background, has a stake in peace.
“It is, therefore, imperative that our response be comprehensive, addressing both the immediate threats and the underlying drivers of conflict.
“Our administration has adopted a multi-layered approach; we are strengthening collaboration with security agencies to enhance operational effectiveness and intelligence coordination,” he stated.
According to the governor, “At the same time, we are investing in peace-building initiatives that promote dialogue, reconciliation, and community ownership of security processes.
“We are also paying close attention to the socio-economic dimensions of insecurity, particularly youth unemployment, rural vulnerability, and misinformation, which often serve as catalysts for unrest. Our interventions are, therefore, designed not only to respond to crises, but to prevent them,” he stated.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the House of Reps Adhoc Committee to Convoke Special Dialogue/Security Conference, Hon. Wale Ahmed, said the committee exists because the 10th House of Representatives under the leadership of Rt. Hon, Abass Tajudeen, heard the cry of Plateau and resolved that all hands must be on deck to restore peace to Plateau – the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism.’
Hon. Wale Ahmed was optimistic that, “We are here to confront this with courage, with clarity, and with a collective resolve,” and noted that, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed special security deployments, approved humanitarian interventions, and insisted that the cries from Plateau must reach the highest level and be answered with action.”
According to him, “The 10th House of Representatives, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Abass Tajudeen, stands ready to do what lawmaking demands.
“Where gaps exist in our laws, we will close them. Where policies need backing, we will legislate. Where communities need protection, we will empower. We will enact and strengthen laws that sustain peace in Plateau, not just today, but for generations.
“This is because of the good working relationship between the President and the National Assembly, which has become a bridge of progress. Because the Executive and Legislature are speaking with one voice on security, Nigeria is moving with one strength,” he stated.
He said that unity of purpose is why interventions are faster, why security budgets are prioritized, and why Plateau is no longer forgotten.
“However, peace cannot be enforced by guns alone. Peace must be built; and it must be built by all of us together. An effective strategy must go beyond speeches. It must bring every voice to the table,” he stressed.
“Government at all levels; Traditional Rulers who are custodians of our heritage; Security agencies that stand in harm’s way; Religious leaders who speak to our souls; Civil Society; Academia; Women; Youth; and above all, those whose scars remind us why we are here:
“Inclusion is not charity. Inclusion is a strategy. When people are heard, they heal. When they heal, they forgive. When they forgive, they rebuild.
“To sustain peace, we must institutionalize dialogue, not as a one-day event, but as a way of life. We must strengthen local peace structures from the Mai Angwa levels. We must empower community conflict resolution structure. We must ensure that early warning becomes early action. And justice must be our compass.”