The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Plateau State Command, has engaged stakeholders with a view to finding lasting solutions to contemporary security challenges in the state.
DAILY POST reports that Plateau State has witnessed uncertainty, including kidnapping, child trafficking, communal clashes, and other criminal activities, which the government has condemned.
The stakeholders’ engagement aims to strengthen synergy and collaboration between security agencies and citizens to enhance peaceful coexistence in the state, particularly during the farming season.
Emmanuel Adesina, the Commissioner of Police, declared that Plateau is experiencing relative peace, saying that security agents are implementing the template of Executive Order 001, signed by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for the temporary suspension of all illegal mining activities in the state.
While addressing stakeholders at the Police Officers’ Mess, CP Adesina said, “I stand before you today with gratitude as we discuss peace. We are enjoying peace in the state, and I believe that by coming together, we will achieve a lot,” CP Adesina said. “Our people, especially farmers, need to feel secure as they work on their farms. We must provide security and assure them of their safety.”
Wycliff Bewet, Permanent Secretary on Security, acknowledged the commitment of security agencies to prioritizing a peaceful society and emphasized that citizens must partner with them to maintain peace.
Bewet stated that trafficking does not begin with security agencies but becomes their responsibility, saying, “Parents allow their children to be taken away for child labor, prostitution, and other vices. We urge mothers to spread the message that no child should be allowed to leave the community without questioning.”
Bewet noted that the Plateau Indigenous Miners Association (PIMA) has taken a position, calling on members to register and legitimize their operations on the Plateau regarding the legalization of mining activities following the signing of Executive Order 001.
He explained that this indicates there has been engagement with the miners to reach this position, pointing out that they would have otherwise opposed the government regarding registration.