North Central Governors Call on FG to Uncover Root Causes of Plateau Killings for Sustainable Peace

• The North Central Governors’ Forum calls on the Federal Government to investigate and address the root causes of recurring killings in Plateau State for lasting peace
• Governor Abdullahi Sule emphasizes the need for technology deployment and a comprehensive, collaborative effort to combat terrorism in the region

The North Central Governors’ Forum (NCGF) has urged the Federal Government to investigate the underlying causes of the recurring killings in Plateau State to establish lasting peace. Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, who is the chairman of the forum, made this plea during a condolence visit to Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State following the recent attacks on 23 communities in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.

Describing the attacks as acts of terrorism, Governor Sule emphasized the need for deploying technology to identify and curb the operations of perpetrators in the North Central region. He stressed that the protracted nature of these attacks requires a comprehensive investigation and a collaborative effort from various stakeholders to find a lasting solution.

Addressing Governor Mutfwang, Governor Sule expressed concern over the deterioration of the peaceful coexistence that the Plateau region had enjoyed in the past. He called on the Governor to take courageous steps in uncovering the root causes of the issue, emphasizing that living in constant fear and insecurity is unsustainable.

Governor Sule rejected the characterization of the situation as a “farmers-herders crisis,” asserting that it is about criminal elements. He called on the Federal Government to provide assistance in dealing with the problem and highlighted the need for a holistic approach, drawing parallels with the situation in Rwanda where a similar approach had yielded positive results.

The North Central governors’ chairman expressed confidence in Governor Mutfwang’s ability to address the issue effectively, emphasizing the collective responsibility of all Nigerians in overcoming the challenge. He also hinted at plans for a security and economic summit by the North Central governors to devise sustainable solutions for the region’s challenges.

Governors Hyacinth Alia of Benue and Umar Bago of Niger, accompanying Governor Sule, echoed the call for unity and emphasized the importance of investing in agriculture to harness the abundant natural resources in the North Central zone.

Governor Mutfwang appreciated the governors’ concern and reiterated his commitment to collaboration for peace, unity, and substantial development in the North Central region. He appealed to the Federal Government for support in infrastructural projects, including the dualization of key roads, and extended gratitude for the governors’ donation of N100 million to support the victims.