Following the recent attacks in Plateau State, which have led to the loss of over 50 lives and the destruction of property, the state Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has banned night grazing.
Mutfwang has also assured citizens that his administration remains fully committed to its constitutional duty of safeguarding lives and property.
The Governor gave the assurance while addressing the people in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday.
Mutfwang declared: “Let me reassure you: my government is alive to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property. We are rising to the occasion, more determined than ever.”
The governor condemned the spate of violence in Zike village in Bassa and the horrific bloodshed in Bokkos, stating that these acts are not mere coincidences but a deliberate campaign to destabilise and displace communities.
“Let us be clear,” he emphasised. “This is not a clash. It is a calculated, systematic attempt to dismantle our communities, destroy livelihoods, and erase our identity. But I say today: Enough Is Enough!”
To address the escalating security concerns, Governor Mutfwang said he swiftly convened an emergency Security Council Meeting with all heads of security agencies. This, he stated, has resulted in the deployment of additional personnel to strategic and vulnerable locations.
He also disclosed the ongoing engagements with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and the National Security Adviser.
“I am grateful to President Tinubu for his concern and prompt directive to security agencies to act decisively and hunt down those behind these heinous crimes,” he stated.
The governor further announced that Operation Rainbow, the state’s internal security outfit, is being restructured and reinforced with six hundred recruits trained and deployed with a clear mandate to provide intelligence, secure communities, and respond swiftly to threats.
On the humanitarian front, Governor Mutfwang disclosed that emergency relief and food aid are being distributed to displaced persons in churches and temporary shelters through partnerships with NEMA and SEMA.
He announced new security directives effective today, Wednesday, to curb the movement of criminal elements.
“Night grazing is now prohibited statewide; Transportation of cattle by vehicle is banned after 7:00 PM; Movement of motorcycles is restricted between 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM daily”.
The governor called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and youth associations to reactivate and strengthen local vigilante groups in close coordination with formal security agencies.
“We must not fold our arms while evil men roam at night to destroy. I call on all Plateau people to remain vigilant, united, and courageous. This land belongs to us—we must defend it, lawfully and decisively,” he urged.
Further measures announced include activating the Inter-Religious Council for peace mediation, appointing a Special Envoy on Peace to lead grassroots consultations, and forming a Fact-Finding Committee to investigate the resurgence of violence and propose sustainable solutions.
Acknowledging the anguish and grief in Bokkos, Bassa, and other affected communities, Governor Mutfwang expressed his deep sympathy.
“You may be tempted to believe that the system has failed you—but let me say to every grieving family: your pain is our collective sorrow. I will not rest until we deliver justice. This will not become the new normal.”
He issued a strong warning to the perpetrators and their sponsors, “To the killers and those who send them, know this: your time is up. You may run, but you will not hide. Your evil will not prevail. The plateau will rise. The plateau will not fall. The Plateau will stand tall again—by the grace of God.”
Governor Mutfwang thanked development partners, diaspora Nigerians, and global supporters for their solidarity. He especially commended NEMA, SEMA, and local volunteers for their prompt and tireless efforts.
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