Plateau is under siege; Mutfwang calls for unity to end incessant killings

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has called on stakeholders in the state to unite to end the incessant killings and security challenges.

Speaking during an expanded emergency meeting with various stakeholders on Monday at the Rayfield Government House in Jos, Mutfwang stated that the state's disunity has allowed the killings to persist, with each tribe viewing the attacks as someone else's problem until they are affected.

The governor emphasized that the enemies of the state can only be defeated when the people come together and confront them.

Mutfwang highlighted the state's history of insecurity, dating back to the tenure of former Governor Joshua Dariye, and noted that the current situation is a continuation of the past.

He mentioned that a state of emergency was declared by President Obasanjo during Dariye's tenure and that the situation has persisted despite various commissions of inquiry being set up.

The governor noted that the insecurity has led to a decline in food production, with many farmlands being inaccessible due to the risk of attacks.

 Mutfwang described the situation in Plateau State as "nothing short of genocide" and urged stakeholders to put aside politics, religion, and tribe to unite against the attacks.

The governor tasked stakeholders, including former governors, national and state assembly members, traditional and religious leaders, to work together to end the killings. He emphasized the need for unity to confront the security challenges and bring peace to the state.

Our correspondent  reports that the  emergency meeting aimed to find a collective solution to the security challenges facing Plateau State, and the governor's call for unity is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the situation.

In attendance were former Governors, ministers, National and State Legislators, Traditional leaders, religious leaders, security chiefs, civil society organizations and other stakeholders. 

The meeting later continued under closed doors.