October 27, 2021
… Says insecurity in Plateau State exaggerated

The Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, says the governors of the 19 northern states are in full support of the creation of state police to tackle the numerous security challenges facing the region.

He disclosed this on Tuesday at the ongoing Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja.

Lalong spoke at a panel discussion on “Securing our Future: An Urgency for Now” a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Macham Makut said.

“He also advocated for a review of the revenue sharing formula and state police which must accommodate adequate funding, checks and balances and a very strong mechanism against abuse. This he said will enable the states properly respond to security challenges as and when due.”

“Most of the negative narratives about insecurity is exaggerated and also instigated by people from outside the state in collaboration with those within the state who want to make economic or political gains through violence”.

“Plateau is codenamed the home of peace and tourism. Then all of a sudden, what happened? I will say also that part of it is the role of political actors,” he said.

“You see people bringing issues like ethnicity, religion-dominated issues, and so we were now beginning to see ourselves as enemies.

“If I am a Christian, I don’t want a Moslem to come near me or I belong to this tribe, I don’t want that tribe to come in.”

“He said the state has addressed major issues that border on religion, injustice and ethnicity which are usually the triggers or fault lines exploited during any misunderstanding by groups or individuals. This he said has been done through dialogue, consultation and collaboration where threats to security are addressed before they reach violent dimensions.