Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has proposed a ₦130 million intervention to support vulnerable widows across the 13 districts of Berom land.
Mutfwang announced the proposed intervention on Sunday during the 2026 WUSAL BEROM Annual Fellowship held at the WUSAL BEROM Prayer Ground, Vwei, Mararaban Jama’a, Jos South Local Government Area.
The Governor said ₦10 million would be allocated to each of the 13 districts to support the most vulnerable widows in rebuilding their lives following persistent security challenges in their communities.
He disclosed that a committee to be headed by Ngo Sarah Ochekpe would oversee the initiative, which would serve as seed funding, with the possibility of additional support depending on its impact.
Mutfwang sympathised with mothers and families who had suffered losses as a result of attacks in Berom communities, particularly widows affected by the recurring insecurity.
He also acknowledged the security challenges confronting the communities and commended the resilience of the Berom people, particularly youths involved in efforts to protect their ancestral land.
Addressing the security situation, the Governor insisted that the crisis confronting Plateau State should not be given a religious interpretation, describing it instead as criminality and terrorism.
“What we are dealing with is criminality and terrorism, and we will continue to deal with it as such,” he declared.
He warned against cattle rustling and other criminal activities capable of worsening insecurity, assuring that those involved would be pursued irrespective of their positions or affiliations.
On the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), Mutfwang disclosed that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation had commenced consultations with local government chairmen in affected areas to identify at least one community in each local government area for the initial phase of the return programme.
He said the government would not encourage the return of displaced persons to communities where their lives remained at risk.
The Governor also provided an update on the ₦1.5 billion intervention jointly provided by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Plateau State Government for victims of insecurity.
He explained that the first phase of distribution had commenced, with funds reaching affected households in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Mangu and Bokkos, while the remaining allocation would be extended to other deserving communities.
Mutfwang further disclosed that an additional 1,000 Plateau indigenes were undergoing training at Shere Hills as forest guards following approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the personnel would be deployed to their respective communities after completing their training to strengthen local security and protect vulnerable settlements.
The Governor spoke at the fellowship, which had the theme, “Vog Yei Ting” (Be Strong in Heart), and brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, political office holders, elders and other Berom stakeholders.
