The Plateau State Government has declared that the state is “at war with terrorists and enemies of the state” as it vowed to intensify efforts to tackle the wave of coordinated attacks recorded across the state over the past four months.
The declaration was made after an emergency meeting of the State Security Council convened by Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday at the Rayfield Government House in Jos.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, said the council reviewed the worsening security situation and adopted fresh measures aimed at protecting lives and property.
Jatau said the emergency session brought together members of the State Security Council, chairmen of the 17 local government areas and the Chairman of the Plateau State Joint Traditional Council, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba.
According to him, the council concluded that Plateau had come under sustained attacks in recent months, with clear signs of coordinated assaults across communities.
“The council identified and unanimously agreed that the state has been under siege in the last four months with evidence of coordinated attacks unleashed on the state,” he said.
To curb the insecurity, the council resolved to intensify enforcement of the ban on motorcycles, night grazing and illegal mining activities, which it described as factors fuelling insecurity.
The government also directed security agencies to reclaim all ungoverned areas and public spaces across the state.
Jatau disclosed that the government would immediately boost logistics support for security agencies through the provision of additional motorcycles and operational vehicles to strengthen security operations.
The council further stressed the need for stronger collaboration between local government security structures and host communities, noting that intelligence sharing and synergy must be improved.
On public order, the government warned that any group found blocking highways would henceforth be treated as engaging in criminal activity and would face the full weight of the law.
The council also pledged to ensure the protection of farmlands ahead of the farming season to guarantee the safety of farmers and agricultural activities.
Traditional institutions were equally urged to tighten control over cultural groups and associations operating under their supervision.
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Jatau declared, “Plateau State is in a state of war with terrorists and enemies of the state.”
He added that the government remained fully committed to protecting lives, property and communities across the state.
As part of broader security measures, the council also resolved to launch a crackdown on drug dealers, traffickers and substance abusers operating within Plateau State.