Golack Godwin
The Plateau State Government has declared a “state of war” against terrorists and criminal elements following renewed attacks in parts of the state over the past four months.
The declaration was made after an emergency meeting of the State Security Council convened on Tuesday by Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Rayfield Government House in Jos.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, said the council reviewed the deteriorating security situation and adopted new measures aimed at restoring peace across the state.
According to him, the council observed that Plateau had come under sustained and coordinated attacks in recent months.
“Plateau State is in a state of war with terrorists and enemies of the state,” Jatau stated.
The emergency meeting was attended by heads of security agencies, chairmen of the 17 local government councils and the Chairman of the Plateau State Joint Traditional Council, Jacob Gyang Buba.
As part of efforts to tackle insecurity, the council directed security agencies to reclaim all ungoverned spaces, public institutions and criminal hideouts across the state.
The government also ordered stricter enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycles, night grazing and illegal mining activities, which it identified as major contributors to insecurity.
To strengthen security operations, the council approved additional logistics support, including motorcycles and operational vehicles for security agencies.
It further resolved to deepen intelligence sharing and collaboration between local government security committees and host communities.
On public order, the council warned that blocking highways or disrupting movement on major roads would now be treated as a criminal offence, with violators facing prosecution.
The government also stressed the need to secure farmlands ahead of the farming season to enable farmers return safely to their communities.
Traditional rulers were advised to exercise closer supervision over cultural and community associations operating within their domains as part of efforts to prevent activities capable of threatening peace.
Jatau added that the government had also launched a crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse, declaring war on drug dealers, carriers and users across the state.
He assured residents that the government remained committed to protecting lives, property and communities throughout Plateau State.
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