Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has urged governments at all levels not to overlook the nation’s Armed Forces. 

Mr Mutfwang made this plea during a church service on Sunday at the ECWA Unity Church in Rayfield, Jos, the state capital.

He emphasised that neglecting the armed forces could have disastrous consequences for the state and the nation, stating, “If we lose the institution of the armed forces, we will be heading down the road of Armageddon. God will forbid that,” he said.

While commending the contributions of soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, Mr Mutfwang acknowledged the neglect of soldiers by the government and citizens. 

“Unfortunately, we have not done well in looking after those who have served the nation appropriately,” said Mr Mutfwang. “And I am praying that as a nation, we will do better in looking after those who have served the nation valiantly.”

The governor noted that, like every institution in Nigeria, the armed forces face challenges posed by some bad elements who exploit insecurity for personal gain. 

“As an institution, the armed forces are very crucial and central to the survival of every nation, and I must admit, like every institution in Nigeria, things have not been well,” he commented.

Mr Mutfwang, however, revealed the government’s determination to eradicate those bad elements within the system. 

“But we will not throw the baby out with the bathwater. We know that there are some amongst you who have exploited the insecurity for their personal gains. But we will continue to look out for those kinds of bad eggs and make sure that they are shown the way out,” he affirmed.

He encouraged the state’s people to unite against forces attempting to destabilise the region. 

“With the current situation of insecurity in our state, I want to urge the people of Plateau State, irrespective of our divide, to come together and unite because it is only through the strength of unity that we can conquer those who seek to destabilise us,” he concluded.