The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has commiserated with the government and people of Plateau State following recent attacks in Kwall District of Bassa and Bokkos Local Government Areas, which left many dead and others displaced.
The forum, led by its Chairman and Govenor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq were received by Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
While commiserating with the families of the victims, Governor AbdulRazaq also commended the interventions of the security agencies, which prevented further escalations.
The delegation comprised the Governors of Borno, Bauchi, Benue, Oyo, and the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Abdulrazaq said: “On behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the people of our states, I bring you sincere words of condolences on the unfortunate events in which many of our compatriots have lost their lives.
“We call on leaders and influencers across all communities and sectors in Plateau to join His Excellency in the task of uniting the people and restoring sustainable peace. Leaders, including youth leaders, should come together to speak strongly against violence of any kind. We urge that we resolve our differences through dialogue, fair negotiations, mutual respect, and perspective taking.
“Sustainable development can be a mirage in an atmosphere of tension and violence. Plateau is full of potential, especially in agriculture and tourism. But these potentials could be affected negatively if we allow violence or threats of it to define how people see our communities.
“We commend His Excellency the Governor for his leadership at this critical moment. Our visit is to express our solidarity with His Excellency and the government and the good people of Plateau State. We pray to God Almighty to repose the souls of the victims and restore peace to our communities,” Governor AbdulRazaq added.
In his response, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State thanked the visiting governors for their show of love and solidarity. He described the attacks as a reflection of a broader national security crisis.
“The problem of insecurity is not peculiar to Plateau, it is a national problem that must be addressed collectively.
“One key concern is the porous nature of our borders, which has allowed criminal elements to infiltrate the country and corrupt those within. While there were existing security challenges, this infiltration has worsened the situation.” Muftwang stated
The governor lamented the occupation of highlands, mountains, and forests by criminal groups and stressed the urgent need for national cooperation.
“This is a task we must tackle beyond religious or political divides. No ethnic group or religion in Nigeria can tackle this alone. We must come together as one people to say, ‘Enough is enough.’ Your visit has encouraged and motivated us, and we will continue to give our best,” he added.
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