Governor Caleb Mutfwtang of Plateau has charged security agencies to perform their duties diligently by adequately protecting lives and properties in the state.

The governor was speaking on the backdrop of attacks by bandits on some communities in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area.

The governor, in a statement by his spokesperson, Gyang Bere, on Sunday in Jos, expressed concern over the recent attacks on Kak, Ranyam, Nging, Lohala, and Buka communities in Barkin-Ladi LGA and directed the security agencies to put a stop to the menace.

He urged them to stop the destruction of lives and properties by deploying its personnel to prevent further attacks.

“Remain neutral and refrain from meddling in the local politics outside your purview,’’ he charged them.

He, however, saluted the gallantry of some security personnel for their sacrifices in curbing the spate of attacks, urging them to increase their efforts to end the ugly trend in the state.

He condemned the attacks and sympathised with the victims’ families, assuring them that the government would find a lasting solution to the menace.

“My administration will work with the existing security apparatus at the federal level, using multifaceted approaches to secure communities who have been under invasion by the bandits,’’ he said.

Mr Muftwang called for the cooperation of Plateau people in ending the attacks, saying that concerted effort was required from them irrespective of their tribe, religion or political affiliations to ensure progress in the state.

The Plateau Commissioner of Police, Bartholomew Onyeka, on Saturday, announced the deployment of mobile police officers to the affected communities, quoting a statement by the force’s public relations officer, Alfred Alabo.

(NAN)