A civil society group, Plateau Advocates for Peaceful Co-existence, has taken former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, to task over comments it says paint Plateau State in a bad light and cast a dark shadow over its image as a destination for business, tourism and peaceful living.
The group accused the former minister of throwing the baby out with the bathwater by allegedly claiming that all roads leading to Jos, the state capital, are unsafe for travellers, describing the assertion as false, damaging and capable of scaring away investors, visitors and legitimate economic activities.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Bulus Ayuba, the group said while security concerns exist in some rural communities, it is both unfair and misleading to use isolated incidents as a yardstick for judging the entire state.
Ayuba noted that Plateau has weathered numerous storms over the years, yet its people have continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience, unity and hospitality in the face of adversity.
He urged Nigerians and the international community not to be swayed by what he described as alarmist narratives, stressing that residents and visitors should continue to engage freely in lawful social, commercial and economic activities across the state.
According to him, major entry routes connecting Jos with Abuja, Bauchi and Gombe remain open and secure, while businesses continue to thrive without disruption.
“Highways linking Plateau North, Plateau Central and Plateau South are safe for movement,” he stated.
The group further argued that the steady influx of internally displaced persons seeking refuge in Jos from troubled parts of the North-East and other regions speaks volumes about the relative peace and stability enjoyed in the state.
Ayuba said the city has continued to serve as a sanctuary for thousands fleeing violence elsewhere, a reality he believes contradicts attempts to portray Plateau as a territory under siege.
“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.
The group maintained that while security challenges should never be ignored, sweeping generalisations about the state’s safety amount to a disservice to the people and could undermine efforts aimed at attracting investment, boosting tourism and sustaining economic growth.
