by Christiana Gokyo, Jos

The Plateau State Government says it has taken steps in putting some measures in place towards ending of recurrent attacks in the state.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang disclosed this during the swearing-in of Permanent Secretaries into the State Civil Service on Wednesday at Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.

While assuring the people of the state that the situation would be arrested, the governor restated his commitment on ending the spate of attacks in some communities in the state.

Governor Mutfwang noted that, he had made commitment with President Bola Tinubu, who has assured him of assisting with the “necessary support” to find lasting solution to the insecurity.

According to him, he would also have further engagements with the newly-appointed security chiefs to address the situation.

He said, the appointment of the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Retired Brig. Gen. Gakji Shipi, was based on his professional competence and passion for the State.

He stressed that, the Adviser was sworn-in with the new Permanent Secretaries to enable him immediately swing into action of  organising the state security assets to  address its challenges being faced; but expressed sadness over the recent killings in some communities in the state, saying, “Even last night, I regret to say that we have lost 14 people.”

“Before I was sworn-in, Mangu and part of Riyom Local Government Areas had come under severe attacks. In Mangu alone, we have buried over 150 people and, as am talking to you, probably about 16 to 20 villages have almost been pulled down.

“We are not fighting for any tribe or religion; every inch of the state is dear to us and we will fight to protect it,” he stressed.

While urging the people of Plateau to put aside their differences to ensure peace in the state, which was crucial for its progress, the governor cautioned that residents must respect the culture and customs of their settlements.

Governor Mutfwang further charged traditional leaders at all levels to detect early warning signals of conflicts in their communities and take necessary measures to avert them.

He cautioned the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries to be diligent to duties and effect service delivery of the state’s work force, adding that their appointment was necessary to fill in existing vacancies that will rebuild confidence in the service through re-invigorating and repositioning it for the betterment of the society.

According to the governor, “their appointment was deserving, based on their track records and experience,” assuring that there will be more appointments in the cadre soon.

Our correspondent reports that, while reshuffling the offices of the Permanent Secretaries, the governor cautioned them to discharge their duties responsibly in any office they were posted, adding that, every office they hold is for public trust.

While responding on behalf of the secretaries, Mr Nanman Kparbong assured the governor that they would discharge their duties to the best of their abilities.

Conscience Triumph noted that, Permanent Secretaries sworn-in were: Helen Chundusu, Roseline Dakwar, Joel Tahvan and Nanman Kparbong, while the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Brig-Gen. Gakji Shipi, was also sworn-in alongside the others.