Governor Mutfwang Advocates State Police Amid Lingering Plateau Insecurity
For over two decades, Plateau State in central Nigeria has endured a persistent wave of violence and insecurity—claiming countless lives and destroying property. In a recent interview, the current governor, Caleb Mutfwang, spoke out passionately about the urgent need for systemic reforms to tackle the crisis head-on.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized a major structural flaw in Nigeria’s current security framework: the lack of autonomy at the state level. According to him, even when a governor issues directives, local law enforcement often cannot act without approval from central authorities in Abuja. “Are you seeing the challenge?” he asked, pointing to the disconnect between state leadership and federal control.
He has long been a vocal proponent of state policing—arguing that concerns about potential misuse of such powers are exaggerated and self-serving. In his words, those resisting the idea of state police are “benefiting from the inefficiencies” of the current centralized system.
Despite the grim security landscape, Mutfwang maintained that Plateau is relatively safer compared to other states in the North Central geopolitical zone. He credited this to strategic use of intelligence and behind-the-scenes efforts, which have prevented even greater chaos. However, he acknowledged that continued killings make it difficult for citizens to appreciate the progress made.
In a strong appeal to the media, the governor called for balanced and responsible journalism. “Members of the fourth estate must remain objective in their reportage,” he urged, underscoring the media’s role in fostering peaceful coexistence across diverse communities.
Echoing his sentiment, the Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, commended journalists for their commitment and challenged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism. Together, the state leadership and the press are “deliberate in rewriting the Plateau story,” aiming to restore the state’s dignity while promoting unity and resilience.
The message is clear: real reform, starting with state-level control over policing, is essential to restoring long-term peace. Until then, Governor Mutfwang and his team continue to battle both the violence on the ground and the systemic inertia slowing down change.