Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has reiterated the commitment of his administration towards promoting peace and unity in the State.
He also said that his administration, since assumption of office, has been inundated with reports of killings and wanton destruction of farmlands and other properties.
Mutfwang stated this on Tuesday while declaring open a two-day capacity building training for Media Practitioners on Conflict Sensitivity Reportage ongoing in Jos, the State Capital.
The training was organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation, Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP).
The Governor, who was represented by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr Gyang Bere said, “As we all know, the current government assumed office in the heat of the killings and destruction of properties in Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of the State.
“But the Governor, being a man of peace himself, has demonstrated his commitment and readiness to stem the tide of insecurity in all parts of the State.”
“His desire is to unite Plateau people and create a peaceful atmosphere for all residents to coexist and go about their legitimate businesses without fear of intimidation.
“The Governor wants a situation where residents of the State will coexist peacefully in spite of tribal, religious and political differences,’’ he said
He described the training as `timely’ and called on journalists to be objective and professional in reporting conflict issues.
“This training is not only timely but also important toward mitigating the security challenges currently facing the State.
“Journalists shape opinions; they can make or mar; you must report what will build and not what will destroy.
“But I want to urge you to be professional and report what will bring unity and not disintegration; report what will attract investors to Plateau and not what will chase them away”, he advised.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser, Security and Homeland Safety to the Governor, Rtd Brig.Gen. Gakji Shipi advised media practitioners to consider national security while performing their duties of reporting.
In his earlier remarks, Senior Programme Coordinator of CIPP, Mr Taye Lucas said that the project was aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence in communities.
Lucas said that the project is currently being implemented in six states of the federation.
“In Plateau, we are working in Bassa, Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas”, he disclosed.