Governor Simon Lalong says there is peace in Plateau despite the deterioration of nationwide insecurity.

The governor said security is one of his major priorities because it is critical for development while urging Plateau people to cooperate with his government to sustain peace.

“Already, we have started reaping the benefits of peace as more and more people are coming into Plateau state to invest and live.

“Local and international organisations are falling over one another to hold events in Plateau state, which is a clear departure from the past,” said Mr Lalong.

He said the state was already reaping the benefits of peace, establishing the northern central coordinating office of the Nigerian Shippers Council with a plan to set up a maritime resource centre worth over N15 billion.

Mr Lalong, however, tasked Muslims to intensify prayers for Nigeria.

The governor made the call on Monday at Government House, Jos, during a dinner (Iftar) organised by him for Muslim faithful in the state.

He said concerted efforts were required to address the country’s security challenges, particularly the kidnapping of schoolchildren.

“We are passing through a difficult situation with insecurity becoming very worrisome.

“Government and security agencies are doing their best, but we have to encourage them and pray for them as we demand more action. Security, as they say, is everybody’s business,” he said.

He urged religious leaders to pray for the nation’s leadership at all levels.

“Avoid using the pulpit for politics and preaching hate and division. The government will not stand by and allow anybody to incite people against one another because of religion or other differences. The law is there to moderate our conduct,” Mr Lalong added.

(NAN)