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Langtang South, Mikang Residents Seek Lasting Government Intervention as Fact-Finding Committee Tours Southern Plateau
In a renewed drive to end two decades of communal unrest, the Plateau State High-Powered Fact-Finding Committee visited Langtang South and Mikang Local Government Areas on Thursday, July 24, 2025, gathering firsthand accounts of challenges and progress in the southern zone of the state.
The committee, set up by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, is tasked with investigating the underlying causes of recurring violence in Plateau communities between 2001 and 2025 and recommending viable, long-term solutions.
Local Voices Take Center Stage in Langtang South
During the visit to Langtang South, community leaders, government officials, and security personnel welcomed the delegation with hope and cautious optimism.
Chairman of the committee, Maj. Gen. Nicholas Rogas (rtd), explained the team’s mission: “We are not here to blame anyone. We want to hear directly from the people—your experiences, your efforts to maintain peace, and the issues still threatening that peace.”
Responding on behalf of the council, Deputy Chairman Julcit Musa Nanpon thanked the governor for remembering the area, noting that while Langtang South had largely escaped recent mass killings, the people were still grappling with rising petty crimes and youth unemployment.
“Our youths are idle and frustrated. Motorcycles are snatched at night, and armed robbers extort traders returning from markets. Last week, a man lost over ₦2 million on his way home. These are serious concerns,” Nanpon said.
Traditional ruler, Chief Dauda Caleb, the Acting Ponshi Byam, expressed appreciation for the government’s outreach, adding, “Peace is gradually returning, but we now face water scarcity and other basic needs. We pray the government supports us.”
In a closed-door session with the committee, stakeholders raised concerns about past attacks, lingering trauma, lack of compensation, and inadequate infrastructure, all of which they said contribute to ongoing instability.
Mikang Community Demands Action on Land, Boundary Disputes
In Mikang, the fact-finding committee was received at the council secretariat by Deputy Chairman Nungkat Eukuk Koplang and other officials representing Executive Chairman Dr. Soepding Alkali Bernard.
Council Secretary Nanhkin Dafom presented a well-documented list of grievances, including unresolved boundary disputes, communal tensions, and the fallout of a 2024 land-related conflict between the Tonglong and Fungalang communities.
“Most of our issues are internal, but they require urgent attention. The absence of clear boundary demarcations is fueling tension. Even though some disputes have been settled, pockets of resentment still remain,” Dafom said.
At the palace of His Royal Highness, Bar. Donald D. Puntel II, President of the Mikang Traditional Council, community elders echoed similar sentiments. The royal father lamented government neglect of previous inquiry reports.
“Committees come, reports are written, but no action follows. If crimes are not punished, they will continue. Our youths are watching,” he warned.
He emphasized that the crises in Mikang were “petty but persistent,” rooted in boundary confusion, local rivalries, and inadequate government follow-through. He called on the state to apply the rule of law and implement findings, warning that unaddressed grievances only fester.
Wrapping up the visit, Maj. Gen. Rogas told reporters that the situation in both LGAs showed that peace was possible with proper structures in place.
“Langtang South and Mikang have shown us that local leadership and community effort can make a difference. We’ll compile all findings and make honest recommendations to help the state move forward,” he said.
Mikang
The committee continues its tour across the state, engaging stakeholders and gathering perspectives aimed at ending the cycle of violence and restoring Plateau’s reputation as a peaceful and hospitable state.
Mikang
Mikang
NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc has paid over ₦5.5 billion in claims to policyholders as at April 2026, reaffirming its long-standing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most dependable and customer-focused insurance brands.
The claims payout, according to the company cuts across both General and Life businesses, underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its promises to customers promptly and consistently, even as Nigeria’s insurance industry continues to evolve amid recapitalisation and increased market scrutiny.
A breakdown of the claims settlement shows that the sum of ₦3,668,742,117.69 was paid under the General Business portfolio, while ₦1,914,029,614.93 was disbursed under the Life Business portfolio, covering Group Life and Retail Life policies.
The payouts covered a broad spectrum of claims including motor, engineering, marine, life protection, death benefits and other insured risks.
Equally important, Mutual Benefits has consistently earned commendation from policyholders for its responsiveness during difficult moments.
A retail customer whose motor insurance claim was recently settled by the company described the experience as reassuring:“You never truly know the value of insurance until something goes wrong. What stood out for me was how quickly Mutual Benefits responded and resolved my claim without unnecessary stress.”
Another Group Life beneficiary noted: “At a very difficult time for our family, Mutual Benefits came through professionally and compassionately. The support made a real difference.”
Speaking on the development, Managing Director, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc., Olufemi Asenuga described the payout as more than a financial transaction.
“Insurance is ultimately about trust. At Mutual Benefits, we understand that our relevance is not measured merely by policies sold, but by our ability to stand by customers when they need us most.”
He noted further that the consistent settlement of genuine claims reflects the company’s strong operational structure, disciplined underwriting approach and enduring commitment to policyholders across Nigeria.
Industry analysts have continued to emphasise the importance of prompt claims settlement in deepening insurance penetration and restoring public confidence in the sector.
A Lagos-based insurance and financial services analyst, Chinedu Okafor, stated that: “In a market where customers are increasingly demanding accountability and proof of value, insurers that consistently pay claims promptly will continue to earn long-term trust and market relevance.
Claims payment is the strongest form of marketing any insurance company can undertake.”
The latest payout comes at a critical period for Nigeria’s insurance industry, as operators continue to position for stronger financial capacity, operational efficiency and increased consumer confidence in line with ongoing recapitalisation conversations across the sector.
Mutual Benefits noted that while financial strength remains important, long-term sustainability in insurance is ultimately built on trust, service delivery and the ability to honour obligations consistently.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to improving customer experience, accelerating digital transformation, deepening insurance awareness and delivering innovative products tailored to the realities of individuals and businesses.
With over three decades of operations and a growing footprint across Nigeria, Mutual Benefits continues to position itself as a reliable partner for protection, wealth creation and peace of mind.
The post Mutual Benefits Settles Over ₦5.5bn Claims, Reinforces Customer Trust appeared first on Business Today NG.
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