by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has categorically cautioned the overzealous security personnel in the State against turning victims into suspects, and emphasized the importance of unmasking sponsors of criminal activities in Plateau State.
The governor made this know during a stakeholders meeting in Jos, held during the IG’s visit to Jos to see the level of destruction in Mangu, Bokko and Barki-Ladi, following the recent attacks on Christmas Eve, where many people were killed, several others sustaining serious injuries and property worth millions of naira destroyed.
According to Mutfwang, “It is not about ethnic profiling; let’s demonstrate that this monster can be tamed,” he said, and urged for thorough investigations into both perpetrators and their sponsors to address the root causes of the problems.
The governor commended the Inspector-General of Police, CP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and security agencies for their relentless efforts in addressing the security challenges that have befallen the State.
But he called for more efforts, and solicited for “improved intelligence gathering and sharing” so as to facilitate prompt intervention, emphasizing the need to change the narrative of policing in Nigeria.
While expressing trust in the police, the governor urged them to protect citizens, while creating a conducive atmosphere for lawful duties. Speaking, the IG disclosed that a Special Operation to counter the re-surging violence has been put in place, with AIG Zone 4, Haladu Musa, temporarily relocating to Plateau State, for effective coordination.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu has ordered that the perpetrators be brought to justice, while urging for collaboration between police and the military.
He called on Plateau citizens to support the fight against criminal elements, emphasizing unity against lawlessness.
Governor Mutfwang also received PDP Stakeholders from Plateau South Senatorial District, led by AVM Napolean Bali, expressing condolences to the affected families, and assured communities of Plateau South’s support for a peaceful and united Plateau.