Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has accused some social media users of worsening insecurity in the state through the spread of sensational reports about recent attacks in affected communities. The governor said those sharing graphic details and unverified information online were contributing to fear and damaging the reputation of Plateau State. Mutfwang made the remarks during a stakeholders’ engagement in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area following renewed violence in parts of the state. According to him, while security incidents should not be concealed, irresponsible reporting was creating panic and portraying Plateau as unsafe to visitors and investors.
“People posting the killings and attacks in Plateau State on social media are deliberately trying to demarket the state,” the governor said. He added, “Those of you on social media are the ones fueling the attacks happening in Plateau State.”
The governor stressed that his administration remained committed to transparency in documenting security incidents, but warned that false and exaggerated narratives were harming ongoing efforts to restore stability. “I don’t want to suggest to anyone that any incident should be swept under the carpet. We keep accurate data of all accounts, but many people are in a hurry to put things on social media, and in the process, they are destroying the state,” he stated.
Mutfwang also reassured residents and the international community that Plateau remained peaceful despite recent violence. “There is a deliberate plan to de-market Plateau State and tell the world that Plateau is not a place anybody should visit. But let me reassure Nigerians and the international community that Plateau still remains the Home of Peace and Tourism. Nobody will take that away from us,” he said.
As part of efforts to calm tensions, the governor visited communities recently attacked in Barkin Ladi and Bassa Local Government Areas. During the visit to Nding community in Barkin Ladi, he sympathised with widows, displaced families and survivors affected by the killings.
“I have been on this matter since it started. I have been in touch with the local government chairman and security agencies to contain the situation, and I decided to come here to see things for myself,” Mutfwang told residents during the visit.
The governor commended security agencies for responding quickly to the attacks and preventing the violence from spreading further into Barkin Ladi town. He also warned that any security personnel found to be collaborating with attackers would face investigation and possible sanctions.
In response to the worsening security situation, the state government announced measures including a ban on night mining and grazing activities in affected areas. Authorities said the restrictions were aimed at curbing criminal movements and improving surveillance in vulnerable communities.
Mutfwang appealed to journalists and social media users to exercise restraint and professionalism in their reporting, insisting that responsible communication was necessary to support peace-building efforts. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property while creating an environment that would encourage tourism, investment and economic activities across Plateau State.