A group under the aegis of Indigenous Concerned Youths of Plateau State has faulted comments made by former Minister of Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung, regarding security on highways in Plateau State, describing his remarks as misleading and inconsistent with realities on the ground.
In a statement issued on Sunday 7th June, the group said Dalung’s comments on national television suggesting that Plateau highways had become unsafe did not represent the views of the people of the state and could negatively affect the image of Plateau.
The youths maintained that Plateau remains a peaceful and hospitable state as well as a major transit route connecting the North-Central region with other parts of the country.
According to the statement, portraying the state’s highways as being overtaken by displaced communities attacking travelers and leaders’ vehicles was false and capable of undermining peaceful coexistence and national security.
The group commended the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang for what it described as proactive efforts in addressing security challenges across the state.
They noted that the governor had convened emergency security meetings involving heads of security agencies, local government chairmen, and members of the Plateau State Joint Traditional Council to strengthen security measures across the state.
The statement highlighted some of the measures adopted by the government to include heightened enforcement of bans on motorcycles, night grazing, and night mining, as well as efforts to reclaim ungoverned spaces.
The group also stated that the state government had declared any obstruction of highways by any group as criminal activity punishable under the law.
It further referenced Executive Order 003 signed by Governor Mutfwang on March 1, 2024, which prohibits religious centres from blocking roads and mandates worship centres to provide building approvals and off-road parking spaces.
According to the youths, the governor has also visited communities affected by attacks in Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, and Jos North local government areas to sympathise with victims and reassure residents of government support.
The statement added that the administration had taken steps to support farmers and improve food security through fertilizer subsidies and security arrangements ahead of the farming season.
The group criticised Dalung for allegedly failing to provide support or visit affected communities during his years in public office, accusing him of making statements capable of creating fear among travelers and damaging the reputation of the state.
They also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in tackling security challenges in Plateau through collaboration with security agencies.
The youths insisted that roads linking Plateau State to Bauchi, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Taraba, and other neighbouring states remain operational and safe for travelers, investors, and tourists.
They urged members of the public and the media to disregard what they described as alarmist narratives and instead support ongoing efforts by government and security agencies to maintain peace and security in the state.
The statement was jointly signed by several members of the Indigenous Concerned Youths of Plateau State, including Miapyil Thomas Replong, Gwakjul Lar, Muntasir Mohammed, Nanyak Gwakzing, and others.