Insecurity: Muftwang bans night mining, grazing

GOVERNOR Caleb Manasseh Muftwang of Plateau State has banned night grazing and mining activities in the night and as well directed that all mining operations must end by 5 p.m daily as part of measures to fight raging insecurity in the state.

The governor gave the directive during a sympathy visit to the Nding community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where bandits struck and killed several people recently.

Addressing residents of the area, Muftwang also announced prohibition of grazing by underage children, urging parents and livestock owners to take responsibility for proper cattle management.

The governor, who said the state would not surrender to violence or criminality under his administration, directed security agencies to intensify efforts toward identifying and prosecuting those behind the recent attacks and assured residents that the government would continue to strengthen the security architecture to guarantee lasting peace and stability.

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

Muftwang also assured farmers that the government would secure farming communities ahead of the planting season and subsidise fertilizer distribution to support agricultural activities.

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

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

In his remarks, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Odo, 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 response and continued engagement with affected communities.

They also agreed to convene a broader security meeting to address emerging concerns and promote lasting peace based on the directive of the governor.