Photo: Gov Mutfwang with the Chief of Air Staff, some Plateau senators and Reps members, during the visit.
Gov Mutfwang seeks Air Force collaboration to end terrorists siege on Plateau
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has solicited the support of the Nigerian Air Force to end the deadly attacks by terrorists on innocent villagers in Mangu Local Government Area and other parts of the State.
The Governor made this known on on Friday in Abuja when he visited the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall, Hassan Abubakar in his office.
Mutfwang, who congratulated Abubakar on his appointment which he described as well-deserved, solicited greater synergy between the Plateau State Government and the Nigerian Airforce to combat the scourge of terrorism in the state.
He said, “The Nigerian Air Force is one of the most competent in the world because, we have followed your track records during operations outside Nigeria.
“I believe that your operations despite the odds, the Nigerian Air Force is well equipped in the pursuit of protecting the territorial integrity of our nation. We want to thank you for putting your lives at risk and we congratulate the Chief of Air Staff for scaling through the Senate screening yesterday.
“In order to achieve that, we need to enter into strategic collaboration with all the Armed Forces, as well as the Police and other security outfits to ensure that our people can sleep with their two eyes closed and that they can go about their lawful activities without fear that they will be attacked or molested.”
The Governor applauded Abubakar for the support he has rendered in fighting insurgency in Plateau and solicited for more support to make the state home for all.
“I want to implore you to put out your best and arrest this situation, as well as mobilize your colleagues from other security forces so that we can have an effective collaborating agency to nib in the bud, the tide of insurgency in Plateau and Nigeria.
“I have come to tell you that Plateau people are counting on your professionalism, they are counting on your empathy to ensure that the state retains its status as Home of Peace and Tourism.” he stated.
Also speaking,Plateau South Senator, AVM Napoleon Bali (rtd), applauded the Air Force for its efforts in addressing the deteriorating security challenges in the State.
Bali said that President Tinubu had promised that he would renew the hope of Nigerians and that the National Assembly was doing a great work to ensure that the vision came to reality by approving all that would help in tackling the security problems in Plateau State and Nigeria.
“You should take this advantage to equip the Air Force very well. We have a Combat Search and Rescue in Kereng, Plateau State.
“You should make effort to complete the fence and I am sure that the state will be willing to give you support to make the place more effective,” the senator added.
Responding, Abubakar noted that without peace, no meaningful development could take place in the state, and urged the people to resolve their differences and embrace lasting peace.
He said, “Your coming here underscores the strong collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and Plateau State, as we strive together to uphold the peace and stability of our beloved nation. As security personnel, we are steadfastly dedicated to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“We have the responsibility of providing the safety and well-being of our citizens, but we cannot achieve this alone. We need the support and partnership of visionary and dynamic leaders like you to address insecurity in Plateau State.”
Abubakar further reassured Plateau people of the readiness of the Air Force to assist where necessary and said both kinetic and non kinetic approaches would be required in addressing the issues.
The Governor was accompanied on the visit by Bali, Senate Minority Leader and Plateau North Senator, Simon Mwadkwon; Member representing Jos South/Jos East in the House of Representatives, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos.
Others are Member representing Bassa/Jos North in the House of Representatives, Rep Musa Agah; Member representing Barkin-Ladi/Riyom in the House of Representatives, Rep Peter Gyendeng; Member representing Shendam/Quan’pan/Mikang in the House of Representatives, Rep Isaac Kwallu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Brig-Gen. Gakji Shipi (Rtd) among others.
