Plateau declares war on terrorists, tightens security operations

n n

The Plateau State Government has declared it is in a “state of war with terrorists and enemies of the state” and vowed to take decisive action against coordinated attacks that have besieged the state in the last four months.

n

The declaration followed an emergency session of the State Security Council convened by Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday at the Rayfield Government House in Jos.

n

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, said the council had critically appraised the current security situation and adopted new measures to safeguard lives and property.

n

“Rising from the State Security Council meeting, the Plateau State Security Council met in an emergency session where an appraisal of the current security situation in the state was critically deliberated,” Jatau said.

n

The meeting was attended by security council members, chairmen of the 17 local government areas, and the chairman of the Plateau State Joint Traditional Council, Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba.

n

The SSG said the council “identified and totally agreed that the state has been under siege in the last four months with evidence of coordinated attacks unleashed on the state.”

n

To counter the threat, the council resolved to “heighten the enforcement of the ban on motorcycles, night grazing and mining activities to mitigate triggers of insecurity.”

n

It also agreed that “all ungoverned spaces, government institutions and spaces will be reclaimed by security agencies,” adding that the government would “enhance logistics and provide additional motorcycles and vehicles to security agencies so as to improve security in the state with immediate effect.”

n

The council further resolved to strengthen collaboration between local government security agents and communities, stressing that “synergy and intelligence between LGA security agents and communities must be enhanced.”

n

On public order, Jatau said the council agreed that “henceforth, any blockage of highways by any group will be treated as criminality and perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law.”

n

It also moved to protect agricultural activity ahead of the farming season, agreeing that “farmlands must be protected and made safe for the farming season.”

n

Traditional institutions were also put on notice.

n

“Council also advised that traditional councils should have a tight grip on traditional institutions and cultural associations operating under them,” Jatau said.

n

Summing up the gravity of the situation, he stated: “Plateau State is in a state of war with terrorists and enemies of the state.”

n

The council said it was “not only determined to secure the land, properties and lives of the people of Plateau State but bound to deliver this mandate.”

n

As part of the broader crackdown, the council agreed to “declare war on drug dealers and carriers, and users of drugs within the state.”

n

n n