JOS, Nigeria – A tragic attack has left 17 individuals dead in the Heipang community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, as reported early Thursday, August 10, 2023.

Julius Pam, a community resident, confirmed the incident to journalists and expressed his grief, recounting the loss of his brother’s entire family in the attack.

While efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Command spokesman, Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful, sources within the command have indicated that security forces are now present in the affected community.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has introduced a new Security and Information Centre in a related development.

This move, which comes amidst increasing security challenges in the state, aims to promote a seamless channel for the public to relay security concerns and other related information directly to the state authorities.

Governor Mutfwang, in a statement released by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, highlighted the centre’s functionality.

Established by the Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency, the facility will feature a toll-free hotline (080 0000 5555) for the general public.

The state will cover the cost of all incoming calls, ensuring that citizens can freely share information.

The centre is not only focused on security concerns but will also provide an avenue for the populace to provide feedback on various developmental aspects within the state. It promises round-the-clock operations, ensuring that every concern is promptly addressed.

Governor Mutfwang has urged the state’s residents to actively use this facility actively, assuring them of confidentiality and prompt action on all reported matters.

He hopes this initiative will enable quicker responses to potential threats and enhance the safety and wellbeing of the state’s inhabitants.

Plateau’s Former Governor Lalong Left Behind N307 Billion Debt for Successor, Says Report

A recent report has exposed that the previous administration in Plateau State, led by former Governor Simon Lalong, left a debt burden of N307 billion for his successor, significantly more than the earlier estimation of N200 billion.

The report also divulged that there were no state expenditure records from January to May 2023.

These revelations came to light on Monday,  July 10, 2023, during a presentation by the Committee on a Four-Year Strategic Development Blueprint for Plateau State and the Plateau State Transition Committee, both led by Professor Ganyir Lombin.

The findings were presented to the incumbent Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, at the Government House in Jos.

Professor Lombin informed that the past administration did not allow the Committee to provide inputs into the handover documents submitted before May 29, 2023.

According to Lombin, the documents lacked necessary details and did not adhere to the agreed template developed by the Joint Committee.

Lombin stated, “The handover notes revealed that the revenue accrued to the Plateau State Government from May 2015 to May 2023 was N872 billion. However, the total expenditure was only recorded up until December 2022, with no details for January to May 2023, amounting to N810 billion. Was there no expenditure for the first five months of 2023, or was this deliberate misinformation?”

The committee highlighted the government’s inheritance of four months of unpaid public servant salaries totaling over N11 billion and pension arrears of N24 billion.

Additionally, there are unresolved controversies surrounding legacy projects, with N12 billion still in the custody of the Trustees.

The governor inherited a near-bankrupt state, plagued by weak institutions, low public morale, high insecurity, and high citizen expectations.

Despite the situation, Lombin stated that the task ahead of Governor Mutfwang is “enormous but not insurmountable,” expressing confidence in the Governor’s determination to serve the Plateau people.

Governor Mutfwang, upon receiving the report, affirmed his commitment to utilize the findings and initiate necessary further investigations prudently.

Despite the intimidating debt burden, he maintained optimism, especially on security issues, hoping that the new security personnel and the Special Adviser on Security will make a difference soon.