President Bola Tinubu has pledged to restore security in Plateau State, rebuild communities destroyed by attacks and facilitate the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes.
The President gave the assurance on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) North-Central presidential campaign rally held at Zaria Road Stadium in Jos.
Tinubu said his administration was committed to ending the security challenges that had forced many residents from their communities, adding that the Federal Government would work with the Plateau State Government and traditional rulers to ensure their safe resettlement.
He said he had received a briefing from Governor Caleb Mutfwang on the security situation and was encouraged by the determination of residents to rebuild their lives.
“I got the report from the governor, and I saw hope in the faces of our people. It is now that we can rebuild, and I assure those displaced that we will rebuild your communities and bring you back to your communities,” he said.
The President disclosed that he had directed security agencies to intensify operations against criminal elements, stressing that Nigerians deserved stability and prosperity rather than persistent violence.
As part of the measures, Tinubu said the government was reinforcing security deployments and improving coordination among security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and rapid response to threats.
He also revealed that 1,000 forest guards were undergoing training and would soon be deployed to communities to support security operations.
“One thousand forest guards are undergoing training right now. You will feel them, you will see them, and you will feel secure in your villages and communities,” he said.
Tinubu added that surveillance cameras promised by his administration had been procured to improve early warning systems and enable security agencies to detect threats before they escalate.
He reiterated that the Federal Government would collaborate with community leaders and the state government to rebuild affected settlements and address the humanitarian challenges facing displaced families.
The President also commended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, for his efforts in supporting vulnerable Nigerians and identifying people in need of government assistance.
He appealed to residents to embrace peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and unity, insisting that the state’s future depended on the ability of its people to live together despite their differences.
On the economy, Tinubu announced plans to upgrade Plateau State’s airport into a cargo facility to boost agricultural exports and create new economic opportunities.
According to him, the proposed facility would enable farmers to transport agricultural produce, particularly vegetables and potatoes, directly to international markets.
“We are going to convert your airport into a cargo airport. From there, you will be able to ship vegetables and potatoes abroad directly. The economy will improve, and prosperity will grow,” he said.
Meanwhile, Vice-President Kashim Shettima praised Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that the President’s decisions had helped prevent the country from sliding into economic collapse.
Shettima said Nigeria had faced serious economic difficulties before Tinubu assumed office but maintained that the administration’s reforms had placed the economy on a more stable footing.
He also commended the President for accepting responsibility for the country’s economic challenges rather than shifting blame to his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.
Describing Plateau as an important contributor to national development, Shettima recalled the contributions of prominent leaders from the state, including John Kadiya, John Shagaya, Jeremiah Useni and Solomon Lar.
He urged residents to support Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang in the 2027 elections, saying previous political disagreements among APC stakeholders in the state had been resolved.
Shettima called on voters to rally behind both leaders in the forthcoming polls.