Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has declared that his administration will not negotiate with terrorists or criminal elements, insisting that ongoing security operations must be sustained to restore lasting peace across the state.
Mutfwang made the declaration on Friday in Jos during a Democracy Day Town Hall Meeting, where he also outlined key interventions of his administration in agriculture, water infrastructure, security and social services.
He maintained that engaging or negotiating with criminals was not an option, stressing that security agencies must continue to take decisive action against perpetrators of violent attacks.
“Negotiating with criminals is not an option. We will continue to push them out of our communities,” he said.
The governor said his administration had intensified collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to strengthen security operations, noting that the strategy was already yielding results in affected areas.
According to him, coordinated operations had led to the arrest of several suspects linked to violent incidents, with ongoing investigations helping to uncover wider criminal networks behind the attacks.
Mutfwang commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as strong support and clear directives to security agencies, adding that this had improved operational responses to insecurity across the country.
He assured residents that although the security challenges would not be resolved overnight, government remained committed to sustaining operations until lasting peace is achieved in Plateau State.
The governor also called for deeper collaboration with traditional institutions, religious leaders and community stakeholders in peacebuilding efforts.
On agriculture, Mutfwang disclosed that the state had procured about 5,000 trucks of fertiliser to support farmers and boost food production across rural communities.
He said his administration was expanding agricultural support programmes to improve livelihoods and strengthen food security in the state.
The governor further highlighted major investments in water infrastructure, describing access to potable water as central to development.
He said a water project valued at over N30 billion was ongoing in Langtang North and Langtang South, alongside rehabilitation works at Yakubu Gowon Dam and Liberty Dam, as well as other projects in communities such as Madok Village.
Mutfwang said the interventions were aimed at addressing long-standing water shortages and improving living conditions across Plateau State.
He noted that his administration remained focused on integrated development across key sectors including agriculture, health, education and infrastructure, with sustained investments expected to drive economic growth and job creation.
The governor also said Plateau State was witnessing renewed investor interest, adding that he recently engaged international and domestic investors at a forum in Lagos.
He disclosed that discussions included proposed investments in a refinery and a modern abattoir, expressing optimism about the state’s economic outlook.
Mutfwang said his administration inherited significant fiscal and structural challenges, including salary arrears and limited financial capacity, but insisted that reforms had helped stabilise governance and reposition the state.
He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline and inclusive development, stressing that peace remains a prerequisite for sustainable economic growth.
The governor urged Nigerians to continue defending democracy, describing it as the foundation for accountability, stability and development.
