Plateau Attack: Gov Mutfwang Bans Night Mining, Underage Grazing

Plateau State governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has visited the Nding community in the Barkin Ladi local government area over the recent attack, which claimed several lives and left many families devastated.

At a security stakeholders’ meeting held at Gwol Motel, Barkin Ladi, attended by religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth representatives, and community stakeholders across ethnic divides, Mutfwang vowed that perpetrators of the attacks in Barkin Ladi and other parts of state would not escape justice.

As part of measures to strengthen security and restore order, the governor reiterated the ban on mining activities at night, directing that all mining operations must end by 5:00 p.m. daily.

He also announced the ban on night grazing and by underage, urging parents and livestock owners to take responsibility for proper cattle management.

“The life of every Plateau citizen is precious, and we will do everything within our power to protect our people. Those who take pleasure in killing and inflicting pain on others will not know peace,” he declared.

The governor, who was received by the chairman of Barkin Ladi LGA, Hon. Stephen Pwajok, met with some widows, children and survivors of the attack and offered words of comfort and reassurance.

He assured the community that the government would not abandon them, declaring that “Nding community will not go down.”

In a statement issued by his director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, Governor Mutfwang, accompanied by the minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, other government officials and stakeholders, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting life and property in the state.

“I have been on this matter since it started. I have been in touch with the local government chairman and security agencies to contain the situation, and I decided to come here to see things for myself,” the governor stated.

He commended security agencies for their prompt response and efforts at preventing the violence from escalating into Barkin Ladi town. The governor also assured the residents that any security personnel found complicit in the attacks would be investigated and brought to justice.

Governor Mutfwang emphasised that Plateau State would not surrender to violence or criminality under his administration. He directed security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and prosecute those behind the attacks and assured residents that the state government would continue to strengthen the security architecture to guarantee lasting peace and stability.

He further appealed to the media to avoid narratives that could discourage visitors and investors, insisting that Plateau remains the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”

Dr Doro (minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), in his remarks, expressed solidarity with the affected communities and assured them of the federal government’s support through humanitarian interventions and recovery efforts.

Youth leaders under the Plateau Youth Council (PYC), alongside representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), and traditional institutions led by the Gwom Rwei of Barkin Ladi, commended the governor for his swift response and continued engagement with affected communities.