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Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has said the ongoing violence in the state is not a clash between communities but is driven by external forces.
During an interview with News Central TV on Tuesday at the Plateau State Government House, Mutfwang also warned against narratives that frame the crisis as inter-communal or religious conflict, stressing that such interpretations are misleading.
“There is no community on the Plateau that is fighting another community. What we are witnessing is largely external aggression,” he said.
Mutfwang explained that terrorists are behind many of the attacks and would not be part of local peace engagements.
“The terrorists are not going to be in that town hall meeting,” he stated.
He said that the state’s terrain has made security operations more challenging, with many areas hard to access and lacking proper communication infrastructure.
He said: “We have some of the most treacherous terrains and ungoverned spaces. This makes access difficult even for security agencies.”
The governor called on the Nigerian Government to support efforts to open up these areas and improve communication networks to aid security response. Despite the challenges, Mutfwang expressed confidence in the Nigerian Government’s commitment to addressing the crisis.
“I have seen the empathy and the determination of Mr President to end this cycle of violence,” he stated.
Furthermore, Mutfwng revealed that President Bola Tinubu recently held a lengthy meeting with Plateau stakeholders, including former governors, security chiefs, and community leaders, to discuss solutions.
“We had very intense conversations and spoke frankly,” he said.
He acknowledged lingering issues, including identity, chieftaincy disputes, and long-standing mistrust, especially in areas like Jos North.
“These issues run deep and will take time to resolve,” he said, adding that efforts are already ongoing through commissions of inquiry.
The governor expressed optimism about the future, saying peace is achievable.
“By the grace of God, we have started the journey. Peace is possible on the Plateau, and peace is in sight,” he said.
