• Upgrades Three Chiefdoms In Shendam

Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, has said that henceforth, kidnappers caught in the state would face death penalty.

He said this at Shendam Mini Stadium during the coronation and upgrading of three chiefdoms in Shendam Local Council of the state.

Lalong claimed kidnappers were relocating from other places to Plateau because of the heat they experienced in those places.

He said: “People say they should come to Plateau because there is no death penalty. It is no longer business as usual here. I sent a bill to the State House of Assembly in this regard, and when passed, we will effect it.”

He charged traditional rulers to discharge their duties diligently, as custodians of culture, adding that they would be held responsible for any security breach in their communities.

Lalong also advised youths to respect their traditional leaders and reject being lured into banditry, cattle rustling and other social vices. He promised his government would soon unveil empowerment programmes for them.
    
The state government had upgraded three chiefdoms in Shendam Local Council to bring government closer to the people.
   
The Long Dorok of Dorok Chiefdom, Miskoom David Dongba was upgraded to second-class status in 2018, the Long Jaktoe of Doka Kingdom, Miskoom James Lankwap III was also upgraded to a third-class chief, while the Long Derteng of Dertern Kingdom, Miskoom Thomas Yunkwap III was upgraded to third-class.
  
Earlier, the Long Gamai of Gamai Nation, Miskoom Martins Shaldas, commended the governor for keeping his promises of uplifting traditional institutions.

The Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Sylvanus Tapgun, said the upgrade was a confirmation of the importance of traditional institutions, as catalysts for mobilisation, growth and peaceful co-existence.