by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Mutfwang, has extended his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “swift response and firm commitment” to restoring peace in the state.
He commended the President for directing federal agencies to deliver relief materials to victims of the Bokkos Local Government Area attacks. He said the pain of the people is his pain and pledged that no perpetrator of violence will go unpunished.
“We will no longer allow those arrested for crimes in our communities to walk free. I will pursue and ensure the prosecution of all those whose hands are stained with the blood of our people. They will face the full wrath of the law,” he stated firmly.
Governor Mutfwang also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice and security for the people of Plateau State, particularly victims of recent attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area.
He said the State Government has made efforts to address the insecurity in Bokkos, and disclosed that new strategies are being introduced to guarantee the safety of farmers as the next planting season approaches.
“I want to assure you that the lives lost in Bokkos will not be in vain. Some advised that we cancel this meeting due to the tragic circumstances, but after wide consultations with our leaders, both at home and in the Diaspora, we decided to forge ahead. We cannot let those behind these heinous acts think they have broken our spirit. Yes, we are mourning, but by the grace of God, we are not defeated,” he said.
Reflecting on the broader context of the violence, Governor Mutfwang noted that, “Since the December 2023 attacks, we had begun reclaiming our identity as the Home of Peace and Tourism. For over a year, we recorded no major incident. But these attacks are clearly orchestrated – deliberate attempts to impoverish and intimidate our people at the start of every farming season.”
The governor was optimistic that, “Let it be known: we will farm this year. No amount of intimidation will stop us. I appreciate the outpouring of sympathy and support from Nigerians across the country. I’ve had deep consultations with security chiefs, and I want to assure the people of Plateau State that everything possible will be done to protect lives and property.”
While confirming that some masterminds of the attacks have already been apprehended, Mutfwang stressed that “The era of arrest-without-prosecution is over.
“As your Governor, I make this solemn promise: anyone involved in spilling the blood of a Plateau citizen will be pursued and brought to justice. None of them will go scot-free,” he emphasized.
He urged the 54 ethnic nationalities of Plateau State resident in Abuja to remain united and uphold the core values of the state – which are “peace, unity, hard work, tolerance, excellence, and hospitality.”
He called on public servants and those in positions of influence to emulate the legacy of Amb. Bagudu Mutle Hirse, former Federal Permanent Secretary and Nigerian Ambassador to Namibia, whose life of fairness and service touched many.
Governor Mutfwang further appealed to citizens to give back to their communities and support one another, regardless of ethnic or religious differences. “Let each of us contribute to the progress and unity of Plateau State. Our strength lies in our togetherness,” he stressed.