Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Caleb Mutfwang has declared that his administration will not enter into any form of negotiation with terrorists or criminal groups, insisting that sustained military and intelligence-led operations remain the only pathway to lasting peace in the state.
Mutfwang made the declaration on Friday in Jos during a Democracy Day Town Hall Meeting, where he reviewed his administration’s security strategy and broader development agenda for Plateau State.
“Negotiating with criminals is not an option. We will continue to push them out of our communities,” the governor said, reinforcing his administration’s hardline stance against armed groups responsible for recurring attacks in parts of the state.
He said government, in collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders, had intensified coordinated operations across vulnerable communities, leading to arrests and the disruption of suspected criminal networks.
According to him, the arrests were already generating critical intelligence that is helping security agencies expand investigations into wider networks behind violent incidents.
Mutfwang commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as strong backing for security agencies, saying the Federal Government’s support had improved operational effectiveness in affected areas.
He stressed that while insecurity would not be eliminated overnight, his administration remained committed to sustained operations until stability is restored across Plateau.
Beyond security, the governor highlighted ongoing reforms in agriculture, infrastructure and social services, describing them as central to rebuilding livelihoods and strengthening the state’s economy.
He disclosed that the government had procured about 5,000 trucks of fertiliser to boost agricultural productivity and support rural farmers across the state.
On infrastructure, Mutfwang said his administration was executing major water projects, including a scheme valued at over ₦30bn in Langtang North and Langtang South, alongside rehabilitation works at the Yakubu Gowon Dam and Liberty Dam.
He added that additional water projects were ongoing in several communities, including Madok Village, with some nearing completion and expected to be commissioned soon.
The governor also noted renewed investor interest in Plateau State, attributing it to ongoing reforms and efforts to stabilise governance and improve infrastructure.
He revealed that discussions with local and foreign investors at a recent Lagos forum included proposals in areas such as meat processing and industrial development, including plans for a modern abattoir and refinery-linked investments.
“One foreign national, after my presentation in Lagos, said to the government: I want to buy all your meat. This is exciting,” he said.
Mutfwang said his administration inherited salary arrears and fiscal constraints in 2023 but had since implemented financial discipline and civil service reforms to reposition the state for recovery.
He reiterated that peace remains the foundation for economic growth, warning that insecurity narratives could undermine investor confidence if not decisively addressed.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, inclusive development and sustained investment in critical sectors, saying Plateau State must project stability to attract long-term development.
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