President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Plateau State that the Federal Government will rebuild their communities and facilitate their safe return to their ancestral homes.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Saturday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally at Zaria Road Stadium, Jos, where he acknowledged the impact of insecurity on communities across the state.
The President recalled that during his previous visit to Plateau, he was unable to travel beyond the airport but said he had received reports on the devastation caused by attacks and the plight of affected residents.
“The last time I visited Plateau State, I was limited to the airport. Forgive me if you didn’t see me in the hinterland, but I saw the devastation, got the report from the governor, and saw the horror on the faces of our people,” he said.
He assured displaced residents that the government was committed to rebuilding their communities and ensuring their return.
“But since then, that has changed; we are forging ahead together. I assure those who are displaced that we will rebuild your communities and bring you back there,” Tinubu stated.
As part of efforts to strengthen security, the President disclosed that 1,000 forest guards were undergoing training, while surveillance cameras were being procured to improve monitoring and security operations.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, in his remarks, appealed for more federal support to enable displaced persons to return to their ancestral communities.
He said the state government was preparing a comprehensive Marshall Plan for the return and resettlement of IDPs, stressing that the process required sustained collaboration with the Federal Government.
Mutfwang also commended the President for federal interventions in infrastructure and education, noting that Plateau students had benefited from more than ₦11 billion through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
He acknowledged federal support for road projects, including the Akwanga-Jos road and other strategic connections, while expressing confidence that continued cooperation would improve security and development in the state.
The governor further appealed for federal assistance to complete and upgrade Zaria Road Stadium to international standards, noting that the facility had remained unfinished for decades.
He also disclosed that the state was establishing an employment hub to engage 2,000 young people in remote work for organisations in the United States and Europe, alongside a technology hub to promote innovation and strengthen security.
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, commended Tinubu for what he described as his commitment to keeping promises and urged Plateau residents to support the President, the governor and other party candidates.
