The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has convened an emergency stakeholders meeting at the Government House where he decried that in the last three weeks the state has been pushed to the front burner of national discourse.

Mutfwang added that unfortunately, it was very wrong reasons, stressing that when he was officially declared the winner of the governorship election on March 21, 2023, suddenly a reign of terror came in a new way that people had not experienced before particularly in Mangu and Riyom local government areas.

He said as soon as he came in, he called a security meeting to tame the situation, stressing that the situation calmed down until another rude shock when on Christmas Eve, they were grieved with another round of terror which claimed not less than 150 people.

The Vice President came, according to him, after he had travelled to Lagos to brief President Bola Tinubu of the happenings.

He condemned the brutal attacks and killings that started in Bokkos, which were reincarnated in Bassa 10 days ago, where, at the last count, over 100 people were lost altogether.

“The President invited me for briefings, and I briefed him accordingly on what had happened. Since we have been working with security agencies to be able to bring the situation under control.”

He pointed out that all those ugly situations did not begin during his tenure; explaining that when he was not yet in politics, he was told that there was a lot of issues that bordered on insecurity which eventually forced President Olusegun Obasanjo to declare a state of emergency on the Plateau during the tenure of Chief Joshua Dariye as governor.

He said that even during the tenure of Senator David Jang, security situations were not too comfortable and the state of emergency was contemplated but never saw light of the day.

He said he has a responsibility to defend the people of the state, whether Muslims or Christians. But it had been in the minds of people that what has been happening in the state is a clash between farmers and herders.

He asked a rhetorical question whether that narrative was true, saying that he is trying to debunk that narrative, adding that if his attempt was based on fallacy, people should tell him so that he could stop.

“But if it true that the reason behind the incessant attacks on our land is not about a mere clash. And I ask, how can that happen?”

He said that their adversaries should know that enough is enough.

If it is true that the reason behind the incessant attack on our land is not clash between herders and farmers, then the time has come and the time is now to unite and speak with one voice to defend our land.

“One of the qualities of a leader is to know that the people are with him. Let’s arise and preserve the land so that we can have the basis on which we can have the support of the people. I have a lot on my shoulders. I can’t do it alone.

“Let us do it together. Let us think together. We must make sure we nurture the land. Ladies and gentlemen. My leaders. Let us listen to each other. I will listen to your counsel. I will listen to your suggestions. I want to assure you that he who is standing before you is nothing but a servant.

“I will ask all the media crew to vacate the hall. It is not a media discussion. We are going to be talking frankly to ourselves. If you feel I have said or done something wrong, say it out without any fear.”