June 12: Plateau won’t negotiate with terrorists, says Mutfwang
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang declared his administration will not negotiate with terrorists, vowing to protect residents and democratic institutions.
- He emphasized that violence will not grant access to governance and that the government engages only through lawful, democratic channels.
- The governor also highlighted security measures, including recruitment into the state's security architecture and investment in technology.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has firmly stated that his administration will not engage in negotiations with terrorists. During the state's Democracy Day celebration in Jos, Mutfwang vowed to prioritize the protection of citizens, communities, and democratic institutions, asserting that violence is an unacceptable path to governance.
Plateau will not negotiate with terrorists. We will protect our people, protect our communities, and protect democracy. Anyone who thinks violence will give them a seat at the table of governance is mistaken. This government will only engage with citizens through lawful, democratic channels.
"Plateau will not negotiate with terrorists. We will protect our people, protect our communities, and protect democracy," Mutfwang declared. He reiterated that any belief that violence could secure a place in governance is mistaken, emphasizing that his government operates exclusively through lawful, democratic channels. The governor assured attendees that his administration remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
Democracy guarantees freedom of choice, security of property, and the right to peaceful assembly. That is why I remain a firm believer and champion of democracy. It must be sustained at all costs.
Governor Mutfwang detailed swift responses to recent security challenges in southern Plateau, including emergency security meetings, visits to internally displaced persons camps, and enhanced collaboration with security agencies. He also announced that recruitment into the state's security architecture is underway following presidential approval, and emergency reporting lines have been established. Furthermore, the state is investing in technology and additional security formations to bolster safety. On economic matters, Mutfwang noted significant reforms in the Plateau Internal Revenue Service, which have boosted monthly internally generated revenue from less than N1 billion to between N3.5 billion and N4 billion, with a target of N10 billion monthly.
On security, we responded swiftly to the crisis in southern Plateau by convening a security council meeting, visiting IDP camps, and strengthening collaboration with security agencies. With Mr President’s approval, recruitment into our security architecture is underway, and we have set up emergency lines for citizens to report suspicious activities. We are also investing in technology and additional security formations to keep our communities safe.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.