PIDAN Retreat: Gov. Mutfwang Pledges IDP Return, Rules Out Land Grab
Our Correspondent
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has called on stakeholders across ethnic, religious, political and professional divides to renew their commitment to unity, peace and inclusive development as the foundation for the state’s progress.
Speaking on Wednesday at a leadership retreat organized by the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement, PIDAN, in Jos, Governor Mutfwang said collaboration among government, traditional institutions, civil society, religious leaders and development partners is critical at a time when Plateau is confronting security challenges and seeking to unlock its economic potential.
The retreat had in attendance the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North Central, Dr. Abiodun Esiet, traditional rulers, political actors and civil society representatives.
The Governor linked peace to development through stronger connectivity and rural infrastructure. He said his administration will continue to expand roads and rural access to boost economic activity and reduce the isolation of vulnerable communities.
On security, the governor said the state would intensify efforts to facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral communities when conditions permit. He emphasized intelligence gathering, communication and community participation as key to preventing attacks.
On the economy, Governor Mutfwang identified Plateau’s mineral resources and livestock sector as major opportunities. He called for organized artisanal mining, stronger regulation, environmental responsibility and greater benefits for host communities.
Addressing the controversy around ranching, he advocated a new approach to livestock development and urged citizens to focus on opportunities across the value chain, including milk production and processing.
“Plateau must be positioned to benefit from the enormous market for milk and other livestock products,” he said, adding that “there will be no forceful acquisition of land” and that any policy must be implemented in the interest of the people.
Governor Mutfwang also cautioned against using political, ethnic and religious differences, especially on social media, to create division.
“Our differences can become a source of assets that we can leverage upon to advance our people,” he said.
He commended PIDAN for providing a platform for dialogue, declaring that “the time is now” for the organization and pledging government partnership in peacebuilding and development.
In his remarks, the President of PIDAN, Amb. Nanpon Danjuma Sheni, said the organization has built its reputation on dialogue, advocacy and research, and represents the 56 ethnic nationalities of Plateau.
Amb. Sheni assured that the Association will continue to promote unity, youth empowerment and the protection of the state’s cultural heritage.
Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement, Dr. Abiodun Esiet, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to community engagement and announced that a North Central Security Summit is scheduled for August 31, 2026, in Benue State, to deliberate on insecurity and strategies for sustainable peace.
Traditional and religious leaders, including the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, and Plateau State CAN Chairman, Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, also called for collective responsibility in rebuilding trust and strengthening social cohesion.
The PIDAN retreat, which is being attended by leaders of the various Community Development Associations, is expected to produce a strategic roadmap for repositioning Plateau around peace, responsible resource management, inclusive governance and economic development.
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