GOVERNOR MUTFWANG RECEIVES REPORT ON CHIEFDOMS AND DISTRICTS REVIEW, INAUGURATES 2025 PLATEAU UNITY CHRISTMAS CAROL AND PRAISE FESTIVAL COMMITTEE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PEACE AND SECURITY

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Mutfwang , has received the report of the Special Committee on Complaints Arising from the Creation and Upgrading of Chiefdoms, Districts, and Village Areas in the state, from 2015 to date.

The Committee, Chaired by retired Justice Christine Dapup, presented the comprehensive report, based on 382 memoranda submitted by various communities and stakeholders, at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.

In her remarks, Justice  Christine Dapup the assignment as a critical engagement with the legitimate grievances of the people, following the publication of Gazette Nos. 1 and 2 of 2023. She noted that the memoranda reflected deep-seated demands for justice, fairness, and recognition, particularly from historically marginalized and suppressed communities across Plateau State.

“All senatorial districts were actively engaged,” she stated, “and the stories we encountered underscored the urgent need for institutional reforms and capacity building within the traditional governance system. Restructuring the traditional institution is key to strengthening nation-building efforts.”

Receiving the report, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the complexity and emotional weight of the assignment, describing it as vital to peacebuilding and reconciliation across the state.

“This was not just an administrative task,” the Governor noted. “It was a deeply emotional and sensitive undertaking that required wisdom, empathy, and a commitment to justice. I commend Justice Christine Dapup and her team for their diligence and integrity in carrying out this crucial task.”

Governor Mutfwang emphasized that although his administration inherited many of these longstanding issues, it is fully committed to resolving them with fairness, equity, and justice to all.

“We are not here to apportion blame,” he said. “We are here to solve problems. Every citizen of Plateau State must feel a sense of belonging, regardless of ethnicity or religion. Our ‘Plateau-ness’ must always come first.”

Commenting on the recent violence in Bokkos Local Government Area, the Governor strongly condemned the attacks, labeling them as genocide.

“Let us be clear: what happened in Bokkos is genocide, plain and simple. Reducing such a heinous crime to a mere farmer-herder conflict is both false and offensive. It dishonours the memory of the victims and trivializes their suffering.”

He urged citizens to reject divisive narratives and embrace unity, emphasizing that violence anywhere in the state affects all Plateau people. “This is a time for collective healing and resolve. We must partner together and summon the courage to rebuild.”

Governor Mutfwang assured that the committee’s report would be reviewed objectively, with a White Paper to be produced after wide consultations with relevant stakeholders.

“We will not act unilaterally. We will listen, engage, and work with all parties to chart a course toward lasting peace and inclusive progress,” he said.

He also congratulated Justice Christine Dapup on her recent appointment to the Police Service Commission, expressing confidence in her continued contributions to national development.

In a related development, Governor Mutfwang inaugurated the Planning Committee for the 2025 Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival. He highlighted the growing importance of the annual event as both a spiritual celebration and a vehicle for promoting tourism.

“Tourism is a multifaceted driver of development, spiritual, cultural, health, and sports-related,” he said. “This year, we are expanding the festival’s scope to include a Plateau Marathon as part of efforts to reclaim our identity and redefine the Plateau narrative.”

The Governor reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting victims of violence and thanked agencies, especially the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), for their swift response. He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his concern and for directing federal security agencies to act decisively.

“We thank Mr. President and the national security leadership for their prompt intervention. But beyond security measures, we must remain united, resilient, and committed to building a peaceful Plateau where life thrives.”

The 2025 Christmas Carol and Praise Festival Planning Committee is Chaired by Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, Secretary to the Government of the State.

Gyang Bere 

Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State 

April 7, 2025.

COAS HOLDS TALKS WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS, STAKEHOLDERS IN BOKKOS, PLEDGES TO BOOST SECURITY EFFORTS ON THE PLATEAU

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has held a robust engagement with community leaders and critical Stakeholders in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday 7 April 2025 in an effort to find enduring peace in Bokkos and its environ.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in Bokkos, the COAS urged the people to embrace one another and unite towards the realisation of peace and security in the state. He noted that without peace and harmony, the state would be devoid of any form of development and progress. General Oluyede pointed out that security forces alone cannot eradicate security threats in the communities without the cooperation and support of the inhabitants. He called on the people to close ranks with security operatives in the state and collaborate amongst themselves to enhance proactive detection and elimination security threats in their communities in order to avert senseless loss of lives. The COAS assured that the perpetrators of the heinous crime against defenseless civilians would be identified and made to face the full wrath of the law.

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army, who also doubles as Commander Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola warned that any further attacks on innocent civilians, destruction of property, or acts of violence would be decisively quelled. He maintained that while security forces will continue to do everything within their mandate to ensure the safety of lives and property, it must be acknowledged that sustainable peace is a collective responsibility, which requires commitment from every stakeholder. The GOC observed that violence has never solved any problem but rather leads to more pain, destruction, and hate. He enjoined the religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth, and women leaders to have the moral courage to resist and speak out against those inciting violence, irrespective of their status . 

The Chairman Bokkos Local Government,  Honourable Amalau Samuel who appreciated the efforts of the security forces in stemming the spate of killings by the assailants appreciated the COAS for visiting Bokkos for the town hall engagement with them at such a critical time. The Chairman alongside other speakers cutting across, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Jamaatu Nasril Islam, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Bokkos Youth and Women Associations leadership among others all committed to working for peace to reign in the land.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU VOWS SEVERE PUNISHMENT FOR PLATEAU ATTACKERS, COMMISERATES WITH FAMILIES OF VICTIMS

April 05, 2025

President Bola Tinubu has promised that the gunmen who killed many people in communities in Plateau State will be apprehended and face severe punishment under the law. 

 

The President extended his condolences to the families of the victims in Ruwi, Hurti, and Tadai communities in Bokkos Local Government and those from Manguna and Dafo villages, where the gunmen launched brutal attacks, resulting in the loss of lives and the destruction of properties.

 

President Tinubu commiserated with the Government of Plateau State and Governor Caleb Mutfwang, urging the affected communities to cooperate with the authorities and security agencies by volunteering information to catch the perpetrators and secure their communities.

 

He assured Governor Mutfwang of his support in ending this spate of wanton bloodletting on the Plateau.

 

He directed the National Emergency Management Agency to work with state authorities to provide necessary support to the victims and bring immediate relief to the affected communities and those wounded during the attacks. NEMA will work closely with the state to ensure that affected communities rebuild and recover.

 

The President stated: "The report of another violent attack in communities in Plateau State by mindless gunmen saddens me. The latest attacks on defenceless citizens are unacceptable. I have directed security agencies to hunt down the attackers, and they will face severe punishment when apprehended. These intermittent attacks should have no place in our country at a time when we are working so hard to restore peace and order in all parts of our country. 

This unfortunate incident will never dampen and slow us down in our duty to protect every Nigerian citizen. Instead, we will work harder to exterminate forces of evil wherever they are lurking in our country.

 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims' families and all those affected by this senseless violence.  No community should have to endure such tragedy. We all must unite to foster peace and stability. I urge all citizens—regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations—to uphold the shared humanity that binds us all, embrace peace and reject retaliation."

Bayo Onanuga 

Special Adviser to the President 

(Information & Strategy)

April 5, 2025