Mutfwang: Plateau safer than Zamfara, Katsina, other northern states

Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, says the state is safer than many of its northern neighbours, despite the perception of widespread banditry.

He said states like Zamfara, Niger, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Katsina, and Kebbi have witnessed more local governments overrun by bandits than Plateau.

“Contrary to what the outside world is made to believe, Plateau State is relatively safer than other states in the North like Zamfara, Niger, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Katsina, and Kebbi,” Mutfwang said.

The governor made the comment during an interactive session with journalists at the New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, on Tuesday.

Mutfwang dismissed the idea that Plateau has been taken over by criminals, describing the narrative as misleading.

“Despite pockets of violence witnessed in some local government areas, notably Riyom, Bokkos, Bassa, and Mangu, the government has made progress as against what is being reported and put out in the media,” he said.

He said a security committee was set up immediately after he was sworn in on May 29, 2023, to examine the root causes of the violence and recommend solutions. The committee, he added, has been working “around the clock”.

The governor also promised to revitalise Operation Rainbow, the state’s community-driven security outfit, to complement the work of Operation Safe Haven, a federal military task force.

Efforts to restore peace and build community trust, Mutfwang said, remain a priority for his administration.