by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has banned night mining, night grazing, and underage grazing in the State.
The governor stressed that, “This is part of measures to strengthen security and restore order in the state,” and reiterated the ban on mining activities at night, directing that “All mining operations must end by 5:00pm daily.”
Governor Mutfwang, who was received by the Chairman of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, Hon. Stephen Pwajok, met with widows, children, and survivors of the attack on the community in Nding of the Local Government.
As the governor offered words of comfort and reassurance to the victims of the attacks, he also assured the community that the government would not abandon them. “Nding community will not go down,” he said.
While announcing the ban on night grazing and prohibited grazing by underage children, Mutfwang urged parents and livestock owners to take responsibility for proper cattle management.
The governor emphasized that Plateau State would not surrender to violence or criminality under his administration, and directed security agencies to intensify efforts towards identifying and prosecuting those behind the attacks, and assured residents that the State Government would continue to strengthen the security architecture to guarantee lasting peace and stability.
He was speaking when has paid a sympathy visit to the Nding community in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, following the recent attack that claimed several lives and left many families devastated.
The governor was accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, alongside other government officials and stakeholders, to express condolences to the bereaved families.
In reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang buttressed that, “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 commended security agencies for their prompt response and efforts in preventing the violence from escalating into Barkin-Ladi Town.
The governor also assured residents that any security personnel found complicit in the attacks would be investigated and brought to justice.
Also 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 the 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 we will do everything within our power to protect our people. Those, who take pleasure in killing and inflicting pain on others, will not know peace.”
He further appealed to the media to avoid narratives capable of discouraging visitors and investors, insisting that Plateau remains the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”
The governor also 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.
In the same vein, 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.
The 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, based on the directive of the governor.
Governor Mutfwang also visited Ngbrazongo Village in Kwall District of Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa Local Government Area, where he sympathized with residents over the 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 his support towards strengthening community recovery efforts.
The District Head of Kwall and Chairman of the Irigwe Development Association commended Governor Mutfwang for visiting the remote community, and appealed for stronger security measures, especially as the farming season approaches.