The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has cautioned that the ongoing violence in Plateau State could have damaging effects on its agriculture and tourism sectors.
Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, issued the warning during a condolence visit to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of Plateau State following the recent spate of killings in the state. He commended security agencies for their interventions and called for peace and dialogue to resolve differences.
“We urge that we resolve our differences through dialogue, fair negotiations, mutual respect, and perspective-taking. Sustainable development can be a mirage in an atmosphere of tension and violence. Plateau is full of potential, especially in agriculture and tourism, but these could be negatively affected if violence persists,” he said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
AbdulRazaq called on leaders at all levels to unite in efforts to restore peace and condemned the violence that has claimed many lives. He praised Governor Mutfwang for his leadership and expressed solidarity on behalf of the forum.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, acknowledged the recent increase in attacks but maintained that the military remains committed to fighting terrorism and emerging security threats. He urged Armed Forces personnel to remain focused and united in their operations.
Also reacting to the security crisis, former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, lauded northern traditional rulers for their bold condemnation of the violence. He urged them to work with security agencies to end the killings.
“I cannot agree more with the traditional rulers that enough is enough. Their voice underscores the urgent need for decisive action to protect lives and restore peace,” Obi said in a statement, encouraging collaboration between the government and traditional institutions.
In a separate statement, prominent politician Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim decried the violence in Plateau, Benue, and Ondo states, describing the killings as evidence of Nigeria’s failing security architecture. He criticized the federal government’s reluctance to devolve security powers to states and local governments.
“The centralised security system has become overstretched and ineffective. We need urgent reforms and full cooperation with sub-national governments and neighboring countries,” he stated.
He also noted that the pattern of violence shifting from the North-East to the North-West and now North-Central signaled an “adaptive insurgency” that requires a decentralized and intelligence-driven approach.
Speaking during a fast-breaking event with Christian members of the Armed Forces in Abuja, General Musa emphasized the importance of unity and spiritual discipline in the military. He thanked troops for their dedication and highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s support in equipping the military.
The event, organized by the CDS, aimed to promote unity between Christian and Muslim personnel in the military, reinforcing the values of tolerance and comradeship.
Edited by Nzubechukwu Eze
