His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, received a delegation from the Jahr Chiefdom of Kanam Local Government Area, led by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mahmoud Maikano, the Ra’an Jahr, on a courtesy visit at Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Ra’an Jahr Alhaji Maikano represented by Dayyabu Yusuf Garga Galadiman Jahr expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with the Governor.
He emphasized the pivotal role the Jahr people played during the last election, stating that their support “titled and swung the pendulum” in the Governor’s favour. He, however, noted concerns over underrepresentation in the current administration, expressing hope that “tomorrow shall be better than today.”
The Jahr nation called the attention of government to the worsening security situation in the chiefdom, attributed to the dense River Pai Game Reserve, commonly known as “Madam’s Forest,” which spans Jahr and adjacent parts of Bauchi and Taraba states. According to the monarch, the forest has become a safe haven for kidnappers and terrorists.
“Our plea is for the state government to repeat and sustain the clearance exercise previously undertaken,” he appealed, adding that farming activities are being hindered at the peak of the rainy season.
The Ra’an also called for a reshuffling of security personnel deployed to the area, citing ineffectiveness due to familiarity with the terrain. Additionally, he highlighted several rural roads in need of urgent intervention to enhance access, improve agricultural trade, and facilitate emergency response. The roads listed include:
Dengi–Kwalmiya–Gagdi–Dugub–Wawus Rtd, Jarmai–Kantana–Garga, Yugur–Gwamar–Gidgid–Za’am–Kunwur–Uyangyang, Kwalmiya–Dogin Ruwa–Zalli, U/Hakim–Dalpshi–Tablushi
In his response, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, emphasizing that Jahr land, like every part of Plateau State, would not be neglected.
“We took office clearly with a promise to defend every part of Plateau State and Jahr is not an exception,” he said.
He recalled directing his Chief Security Officer to visit remote border communities to reassure residents of government’s presence and commitment.
“It has never been our intention to neglect any component part of our state,” the Governor stressed.
He assured the delegation of a fresh review of the security architecture in Kanam.
“The issue of security is not something to be discussed publicly, but I can assure you that government will do something about it,” he stated, expressing condolences to families affected by killings and kidnappings. “Every day I receive reports of killings or abductions, I don’t sleep over it.”
On rural infrastructure, the Governor noted the constraints posed by limited resources but promised to prioritize critical interventions. “If there is a bridge that needs to be done, that may be the first thing we’ll look at. So that at least people can move while we mobilize resources to do the road,” he said.
Governor Mutfwang also identified agriculture as a major pillar of his poverty alleviation agenda. “We are looking to revive cotton farming, and I learned that Kanam used to produce a lot of it. Please let your people begin to cultivate again,we will support them,” he said, adding that crops like groundnut and soybean should also be revived, appealing for unity and cooperation, saying.
The visit reinforced the administration’s commitment to grassroots engagement and reaffirmed government’s resolve to pursue inclusive development across Plateau’s diverse communities.
count | 36
