The Plateau State Governor‑elect, Caleb Mutfwang, has pledged to integrate local hunters and vigilante organisations into the state’s peace and security architecture to strengthen the fight against insecurity. He emphasized that the relationship between herders and indigenes is only one facet of Plateau’s crisis, often misrepresented for various reasons. Mutfwang affirmed that Plateau’s people have historically lived peacefully and that his administration will ensure this legacy endures.
In an interview in Abuja, Mutfwang explained that the new government will empower communities to take ownership of security processes. He said grassroots structures for peace will be built between communities, fostering mutual trust and gradually eliminating potential conflict zones. Specific deployments will involve mobilising and mainstreaming vigilantes, hunters, and existing security frameworks into a cohesive security system.
Mutfwang’s remarks came during a farewell courtesy visit to the outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, by a team of peace advocates led by Rev. Dr. Gideon Para‑Mallam, President and CEO of the Para‑Mallam Peace Foundation. The delegation reflected on a partnership that has supported peace‑building initiatives and reconciliation across Nigeria since July 2019. Para‑Mallam highlighted several grassroots peace interventions carried out in various states through the collaboration between the Peace Foundation and the British High Commission.
High Commissioner Laing expressed delight with the reported impacts of these initiatives and praised the composition of the delegation, noting that it signalled hope for stronger peace‑building and reconciliation efforts in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.
Celebrating his electoral victory, Mutfwang described it as a triumph for the Plateau people, who he said voted credibly and defended their votes. He affirmed that Plateau’s citizens are peace‑loving and that, despite past exploitation of volatile moments, many now demand change. “We will build bonds of unity, govern with justice, equity and fairness, and demonstrate our sincerity,” he declared, adding that, with God’s help, the new administration will lead by example and invite all to join in building a new Plateau.
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