Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has said that the security challenges facing the state were exaggerated.
He said Plateau State remained a very suitable business and investment hub because the government had vigorously addressed some of the major security challenges in the state by tackling their root causes.
Lalong spoke at a panel discussion on “Securing our Future: An Urgency for Now” which was held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Macham Makut said on Tuesday.
According to the statement, “Lalong said most of the negative narratives about insecurity is exaggerated and also instigated by people from outside the state in collaboration with those within the state who want to make economic or political gains through violence. He said the state has addressed major issues that border on religion, injustice and ethnicity which are usually the triggers or faultlines exploited during any misunderstanding by groups or individuals. This he said has been done through dialogue, consultation and collaboration where threats to security are addressed before they reach violent dimensions. In addition, Governor Lalong said the state has faced headlong acts of criminality through support to security agencies with equipment and other logistics for better response to security demands. He said Operation Rainbow has also stepped in to work with vigilante and other community watch groups to deal with the situation which has greatly improved. He also advocated for a review of the revenue sharing formula and state police which must accommodate adequate funding, checks and balances and a very strong mechanism against abuse. This he said will enable the states to properly respond to security challenges as and when due. The Governor cited the recently organised local government elections conducted peacefully in Plateau State as an example of the dividends of peace and security which is being consolidated upon. Lalong advised other states to replicate the Peace Building Agency which has proven to be very useful in addressing conflicts because it is backed by law.”