Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resettling internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the state, assuring that no affected community has been forgotten.
Speaking during a statewide broadcast to mark his second year in office, the governor stated that his administration, in collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners, is working to rebuild communities ravaged by attacks.
“In the past two years, we have faced painful trials—legal distractions, renewed violence in our rural areas, a broken economy, and years of neglect,” Mutfwang said. “But we did not falter. We stayed the course. Today, we see signs of a new Plateau—the Plateau of our dreams.”
He highlighted key steps taken to secure the state, including the revitalization of Operation Rainbow, the establishment of an Emergency Communications Centre with a toll-free response line, and the creation of a State Activity Centre equipped with modern surveillance technology.
On civil service reform, Mutfwang noted that his administration had cleared four and a half months’ salary arrears, resumed regular pension and gratuity payments last issued in 1984, restored promotions, and reconnected government offices to electricity to improve service delivery.
“Our workers are regaining their dignity and motivation to serve,” he said.
Economic and Infrastructure Strides
Governor Mutfwang announced progress in urban mobility through the launch of the Tin City Metro transport scheme, which subsidizes travel for about 9,000 daily passengers, saving each commuter an estimated ₦39,000 monthly. He disclosed the recent addition of 15 new buses, bringing the total fleet to 30.
He also revealed the procurement of Toyota Sienna vehicles for interstate travel along the Jos–Abuja route and partnerships to enhance air and rail transport.
“We’ve signed an MoU with ValueJet Airlines for thrice-weekly flights between Jos and Abuja, and Jos and Lagos,” he said. “We are also collaborating with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to revive rail services, easing the burden caused by fuel subsidy removal.”
Agriculture and Land Recovery
On agricultural development, the governor disclosed the recovery of over 900 hectares of farmlands previously abandoned by displaced persons. He said ₦16 billion worth of fertilizers and farming inputs have been distributed, while hundreds of youths have been trained in agribusiness.
“We also signed an MoU with IITA, Ibadan, to train youth across the agriculture value chain and are working with global partners to establish agro-processing hubs across the state,” he added.
Roads and Urban Renewal
Mutfwang stated that over 111 kilometers of urban roads have been rehabilitated under the Urban Infrastructure Renewal Programme, while another 3,000 kilometers of roads—initially abandoned—are now under construction.
“To every community that has suffered loss, we have not forgotten you,” he emphasized. “We are committed to justice, resettlement, and lasting peace.”
Committee Begins Probe into Attacks
Meanwhile, the fact-finding committee set up by Governor Mutfwang to investigate recurring attacks on Plateau communities has commenced its assignment.
Led by retired Maj. Gen. Nicholas Rogers, the 10-member panel visited security agencies in the state to gather insights and strengthen cooperation. Their first stop was the Operation Rainbow office, where Brig. Gen. Gakkji Shippi identified resource conflict and land grabbing as root causes of the violence and pledged support for the committee’s work.
At the State Police Command, Commissioner Emmanuel Olugbemiga said officers had been deployed to flashpoints, noting that their efforts were beginning to yield results.
The committee also met with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) where Chairperson Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo pledged media support, as well as with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which assured its full cooperation.
During a visit to the 3 Division, Nigerian Army at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Maj. Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola assured the committee of the military’s dedication to restoring peace in Plateau.
The panel’s terms of reference include establishing the number of affected communities and casualties from 2001 to May 2025, identifying perpetrators and motives, recommending victim support strategies, and proposing measures to block bandit routes.
The committee is expected to submit its report within two months and has called for public memoranda, to be submitted in 12 bound copies by June 7, 2025, to its secretariat at Habibu Shuaibu Lodge, behind Old Government House, Jos.
