Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ruled out negotiations with terrorists and other criminal groups, insisting that security operations will continue until lasting peace is restored across Plateau State.
Speaking at a Democracy Day Town Hall Meeting in Jos, the governor said his administration remained committed to confronting insecurity through sustained collaboration with security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders.
“Negotiating with criminals is not an option. We will continue to push them out of our communities,” he said.
Mutfwang said ongoing security operations had led to the arrest of suspects linked to violent attacks, with investigations providing fresh intelligence on wider criminal networks operating in the state.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting efforts to tackle insecurity, adding that federal backing had strengthened security responses.
The governor assured residents that while security challenges would not disappear immediately, the government would sustain pressure on criminal elements until peace is fully restored.
Beyond security, Mutfwang highlighted initiatives in agriculture, water infrastructure and economic development.
He said the state had secured about 5,000 trucks of fertiliser for distribution to farmers as part of efforts to boost food production and support rural livelihoods.
The governor also disclosed that the government was executing a water project worth more than N30 billion in Langtang North and Langtang South, alongside rehabilitation works at Yakubu Gowon Dam and Liberty Dam to improve access to potable water.
According to him, additional water projects in communities such as Madok Village are nearing completion and will soon be commissioned.
Mutfwang said his administration was focused on rebuilding investor confidence despite security challenges, noting growing interest from local and foreign investors in sectors including agriculture and manufacturing.
He revealed that discussions with investors had generated interest in projects such as a refinery and a modern abattoir, which he said would soon be flagged off.
The governor added that since assuming office in May 2023, his administration had strengthened fiscal discipline, stabilised the civil service and implemented reforms aimed at driving economic recovery and job creation.
He stressed that peace and security remain essential for sustainable growth, pledging continued investment in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and education to improve the welfare of residents.
