Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State characterized Nigeria's ongoing insecurity as an issue that has been both initiated and maintained by the nation's elite.
During a stakeholder meeting titled "Dialogue on Community Policing as a Solution to Insecurity in Nigeria: The Case of Plateau State," Mutfwang stated that the elite have played a role in exacerbating communal divisions and should take responsibility for reversing this trend.
He suggested that the problem of insecurity in Nigeria is primarily manufactured by the elite. "The persistent challenges we face are due to a deliberate misdirection by those in power," he stated.
He observed that although the "poisoning of minds" often begins within communities, it is within the power of the elite to stop these narratives—if they choose to do so.
Often, you'll notice that when the corruption of minds starts within a community, it can be effectively halted if the elite take charge and declare it must end.
"But when the elite stoke the flames of hate, they become those who conduct their analysis and start to spread knowledge and information that poisons the minds of ordinary people—only then will it be sustained," he said.
Mutfwang called upon Nigeria's elite to assume a more prominent role in fostering unity and peaceful coexistence.
He reiterated his administration's dedication to removing "artificial barriers of faith and ethnicity," which he claimed have historically impeded progress in Plateau.
"Standing before you today, I want to emphasize my unwavering commitment when I entered government: restoring lasting peace to Plateau. This is why I've made a conscious effort to bridge the divisions we've created between different religions and ethnicities," he stated.
The governor reflected on his efforts and asserted that since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999, no administration in Plateau had achieved more than his own in promoting peace and unity.
"However, just yesterday, I heard reports of being labeled in certain influential circles. Nonetheless, I confidently assert that I've achieved more than any governor since 1999 in fostering peace and unity on the Plateau," he stated. His comments arrive during a period of increased insecurity in Plateau, Benue, and other northern states recently.
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