By Marie-Therese Nanlong, Jos

Governors of the States in North Central Nigeria on Tuesday visited their counterpart, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, to commiserate with him and the people of the state over the recent killings in some parts of Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi local government areas of the state, as they announced a donation of N100 million to the families and the affected communities.

The governors, including those of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Niger State, Umaru Bago, and the host, Caleb Mutfwang, who were at the Government House, Jos, expressed concern over the spate of senseless killings in the region and called for intense efforts to curb the trend.

Speaking on behalf of others, the Chairman of the North-Central Governors’ Forum and Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, insisted that those who attack innocent people and kill indiscriminately are terrorists and must be treated as such, and called for the deployment of technology to identify perpetrators and curb their operations in the North Central.

Sule describes Plateau as “a true home for Nigerians” and stresses the need to identify the root cause of the issue for a lasting solution, expressing confidence in Governor Mutfwang’s ability to address it with wisdom and courage.

He told journalists “We are here to commiserate with our brother, the Governor of Plateau State, regarding the massacre that took place in Plateau. The North Central Governors are united, and we are eager to ensure that we make an impact in our various states and the North Central in general. We are planning a security and economic summit; we have met a few times to discuss this joint partnership in the areas of agriculture, mining, and infrastructure.”

Governor Alia of Benue State added, “As a people, we have to unite in the fight against terrorists who are disrupting the peace in the North-Central States. Since the problem of incessant unprovoked attacks on farming communities has become common in the North Central States, there is every need for a united strategy, willpower, and to check the borders to checkmate the menace.”

However, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his dedication to collaborating with his counterparts in the region to promote peace, unity, and substantial development, and he expressed gratitude for the support the state is receiving.

He emphasised the North Central’s significance as a cohesive force in the nation, highlighted the region’s abundant natural resources, stating their potential benefits for the entire nation, and called for united efforts to combat armed banditry, terrorism, and criminal activities prevalent in the region.

Mutfwang appealed to the Federal Government for assistance in dualizing the Wamba-Panyam and Akwanga-Jos roads.

Also, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, appreciated the governors’ unity and urged them to focus on the region’s mineral resources for the prosperity of its people.

Vanguard News