By Golok Nanmwa
Jos – Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Arch. Samuel Jatau, has assured Nigerians that Plateau remains safe and habitable despite prevailing security concerns, urging residents and visitors to assess realities on the ground rather than rely solely on public perception.
Jatau spoke in Jos at the opening of the meeting of Federal and State Security Administrators held at Victoria Gowon Hall, Little Rayfield.
According to him, security challenges are no longer isolated to Plateau, Benue and other states previously perceived as conflict-prone, but have increasingly become a broader national concern.
“Sometime in the past, many people from other parts of the country used to see Plateau, Benue and some other states as the epicentre of security challenges. But today, you will agree with me that it has become a concern for everybody,” he said.
The SSG welcomed participants to Plateau State and described the state as peaceful, hospitable and attractive for visitors.
He said Plateau remained known for its climate, hospitality and cultural diversity despite existing challenges.
Jatau maintained that reports and public perception do not always fully reflect realities within the state and encouraged participants attending the meeting to interact with residents and form independent impressions during their stay.
He acknowledged that security concerns still exist in parts of the state but argued that the situation is often presented more negatively than conditions experienced across many communities.
Jatau attributed part of the perception challenge to wider national and political narratives and called on stakeholders, including journalists and security administrators, to contribute toward presenting balanced and evidence-based accounts.
He thanked participants for choosing Plateau as host of the strategic meeting and expressed optimism that deliberations would strengthen national security coordination.
“We welcome you, wish you fruitful deliberations and appreciate your presence in Plateau State,” he said.
