Bandits Seize Control of 64 Communities in Plateau, Governor Muftwang Reveals
Jos, Plateau State – Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has delivered a stark and alarming assessment of the security situation in the state, revealing that bandits have effectively taken over a staggering 64 communities across various local government areas.
The Governor made this somber pronouncement during a meeting with stakeholders in Jos, painting a picture of escalating insecurity and displacement across the state.
Governor Muftwang described the situation as a dire and major security crisis, highlighting the devastating impact of banditry on the lives and livelihoods of Plateau citizens.
He emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in effectively containing the activities of these armed groups, who have become increasingly emboldened and entrenched in several parts of the state.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that bandits have effectively taken over 64 communities in our dear Plateau State,” Governor Muftwang stated, his voice laden with concern.
“These are not just isolated incidents; it is a systematic takeover that is displacing our people, disrupting farming activities, and creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.”
While the Governor did not specify the exact locations of the affected communities for security reasons, sources within the meeting indicated that the areas are spread across several Local Government Areas known to be hotspots for banditry and herder-farmer clashes.
These areas have witnessed a surge in attacks, killings, kidnappings for ransom, and cattle rustling in recent months, forcing residents to flee their ancestral homes and abandon their farmlands.
The Governor lamented the humanitarian crisis unfolding as a result of the bandit activities, with thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) now seeking refuge in overcrowded camps and host communities, lacking basic necessities like food, shelter, and medical care.
He pledged that his administration is working tirelessly to provide relief to the IDPs and to collaborate with security agencies to reclaim the affected communities.
“We are facing a complex security challenge, and we need the collective effort of all stakeholders to overcome it,” Governor Muftwang urged.
He called upon traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, and the youth to cooperate with security forces and provide credible intelligence to aid in tackling the banditry menace.
The Governor also reiterated his commitment to working closely with the Federal Government to secure more robust security interventions in Plateau State.
He emphasized the need for increased deployment of security personnel, improved intelligence gathering, and the implementation of a comprehensive security strategy that addresses the root causes of banditry and farmer-herder conflicts.
This revelation from Governor Muftwang comes amidst growing concerns about the escalating insecurity across Nigeria, with banditry and other forms of criminality posing a significant threat to peace and stability in many states.
The situation in Plateau State underscores the urgent need for decisive action to restore security, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
The state government is expected to release further details on the measures being taken to address the crisis in the coming days.
The focus now is on how quickly and effectively security forces can respond to reclaim these communities and bring an end to the reign of terror imposed by bandits on the people of Plateau State.
Tolu Adebayo
Reporter/Social Media Manager
