Emmanuel Daudu
In a bid to address ongoing security concerns in Plateau State, the Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, held a high-level meeting with traditional rulers, local government officials, security agencies, and key community leaders.
The dialogue, which took place in Jos, focused on restoring peace in troubled areas like Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos, Wase, and Bassa Local Government Areas.
Minister Badaru expressed satisfaction with the relative peace being experienced in the state but urged stakeholders to ensure its long-term sustainability.
He stressed the need for peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, calling on both groups to avoid resorting to violence.
He also underscored the importance of addressing negligence by some leaders, criminal exploitation, and deep-rooted ethno-religious tensions that continue to fuel conflicts in the region.
“The Federal Government remains fully committed to deploying every available resource to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens,” the Minister said.
He emphasized that community engagement and the gathering of credible intelligence would be critical in finding lasting solutions to the security challenges facing the state.
Badaru welcomed suggestions from the stakeholders and reassured them that their inputs would be considered in shaping the government’s security strategy for the region.
Earlier, while addressing senior officers and troops engaged in security operations across Plateau State, the Minister commended the progress made in the fight against insecurity.
He acknowledged the retrieval of arms, ammunition, and the dismantling of local arms production hubs as major achievements in recent months.
“I am here on behalf of President Tinubu to personally thank you for your hard work and dedication to restoring peace in Plateau State,” the Minister said.
He called on the officers to double down on their efforts, encouraging them to remain focused on ending insecurity in the region.
“Are you ready to finish the fight against insecurity in Plateau?” Minister Badaru asked the assembled troops, reaffirming his confidence in their ability to deliver.
Representing the Plateau State Government, Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s Special Adviser on Security and Homeland Safety, Brig. Gen. Gakji Shipi, lauded the ongoing dialogue between the Federal Government, local leaders, and security agencies.
He highlighted the importance of such engagements in fostering collaboration and building trust within the affected communities.
Governor Mutfwang reiterated the state government’s support for the military and other security agencies in their efforts to restore lasting peace to Plateau State.
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