Tinubu vows to rebuild Plateau communities and bring back displaced people

President Bola Tinubu has promised to rebuild communities in Plateau State that have suffered from years of violence. He also aims to return thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes.

Mr Tinubu made this promise on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) North-Central rally in Jos. He recognized the serious effects of repeated attacks on communities in the state since 2001.

The president said his government would work with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, and other leaders to restore affected communities and help displaced residents return home.

“Since 2001, crisis attacks have inflicted deep wounds on Plateau. Too many lives have been lost, homes destroyed, communities displaced,” Mr Tinubu said.

He expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones, the survivors of attacks, and those still unable to go back home.

“I assure those displaced that we will rebuild your communities. We will rebuild your communities, and we will bring you back to your communities,” he said.

Mr Tinubu mentioned he has instructed security agencies to take strong action to maintain peace and stability in Plateau. He added that his administration is boosting security measures and rapid-response actions.

He revealed that 1,000 forest guards are currently in training and will soon be deployed to enhance security in vulnerable areas.

“You will feel them, you will see them. You will feel secure in your villages and communities,” he told the crowd.

The president also stated that surveillance cameras promised to the state have been bought to improve intelligence gathering and early-warning operations.

He pledged to collaborate with the state government and other groups to ensure that displaced families return home and are settled in ways that allow them to rebuild their lives.

This promise comes as Plateau continues to face security issues. Attacks, communal violence, and displacement have impacted many local government areas over the years.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Plateau had 45,212 internally displaced persons as of 1 August 2026.

The agency's figures, gathered from sources including the International Organisation for Migration’s Displacement Tracking Matrix, highlight the extent of the humanitarian crisis in the state.

In July, UNHCR reported distributing essential relief items to families affected by conflict in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom local government areas. This followed ongoing violence that displaced families and destroyed their homes and belongings.

Mr Tinubu’s recent promise raises hopes among affected communities for a real resettlement program supported by ongoing security efforts, rebuilding, and humanitarian aid.

The president acknowledged that his last visit to Plateau was limited to the airport, but he still saw the destruction and got reports from Governor Mutfwang about the situation.

He praised the governor for his work towards peace and stability, urging residents to overcome their differences and work together.

According to him, ethnic, religious, and linguistic differences should not make people enemies. Communities should farm, live, and grow together.

“Our government is not elected to inflict wounds on one another or to bury people. We have to lift people from penury to prosperity,” he said.

Mr Tinubu also promised to work with the Plateau government to develop the agriculture and mining sectors.

He said his administration would team up with Mr Mutfwang to turn Jos Airport into a cargo airport. This would allow farmers to export vegetables and potatoes directly to international markets.

He added that tin mining and other economic activities could help the state grow.