By Deborah Coker
The Plateau Advocates for Peaceful Co-existence, has warned a former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, against demarketing the state and discouraging visitors, investors and residents from carrying out lawful social and economic activities.
The warning is contained in a statement by its spokesperson, Mr Bulus Ayuba, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Sunday.
NAN reports that the warning was against the backdrop of an alleged claim by Dalung that all the highways leading to Jos, the Plateau capital, are unsafe for travellers, which the group described as misleading.
While acknowledging the fact that that some rural communities in the state had suffered attacks over the years, Ayuba, however, insisted that such incidents should not be used to misrepresent the entire state or diminish its identity as the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’.
According to him, the people of Plateau have continued to show resilience, hospitality and unity in spite of the security challenges in some areas within the state.
He urged the public to disregard what he called Dalung’s misleading assertion and continue with their lawful commercial, social and economic activities that had been supporting livelihoods and promoting national cohesion.
Ayuba insisted that major routes from Abuja, Bauchi and Gombe to Jos remained accessible and safe for travellers, adding that business activities were going on unhindered across the state.
“Highways linking Plateau North, Plateau Central and Plateau South are safe for movement” he added.
Ayuba further said that Jos had remained a safe haven for thousands of internally-displaced persons fleeing insecurity from parts of the North-East and other regions of the country.
According to him, this reality confirms 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.
NAN