Stop demarketing Plateau, group warns Dalung

The Plateau Advocates for Peaceful Co-existence has warned former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, against demarketing the state and discouraging visitors, investors and residents from engaging in lawful social and economic activities.

The warning was contained in a statement issued by the group’s spokesperson, Mr Bulus Ayuba, on Sunday.

The group’s reaction followed an alleged claim by Dalung that all highways leading to Jos, the Plateau State capital, are unsafe for travellers; a claim it described as misleading.

While acknowledging that some rural communities in the state have suffered attacks over the years, Ayuba insisted that such incidents should not be used to misrepresent the entire state or undermine its identity as the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’.

According to him, the people of Plateau have continued to demonstrate resilience, hospitality and unity despite the security challenges affecting some parts of the state.

He urged the public to disregard what he described as Dalung’s misleading assertion and continue their lawful commercial, social and economic activities, which support livelihoods and promote national cohesion.

Ayuba maintained that major routes connecting Abuja, Bauchi and Gombe to Jos remain accessible and safe for travellers, adding that business activities continue unhindered across the state.

“Highways linking Plateau North, Plateau Central and Plateau South are safe for movement,” he added.

Ayuba further stated that Jos has remained a refuge for thousands of internally displaced persons fleeing insecurity in parts of the North-East and other regions of the country.

According to him, this reality underscores the relative peace, stability and hospitality that Plateau continues to offer residents and visitors.

“Plateau remains the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’. The fact that some rural communities have endured attacks does not erase the identity, resilience and welcoming spirit of the people,” he stated.