Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited Barkin Ladi on Monday to assess the security situation. He praised security operatives for preventing total catastrophe in the troubled area.
Without their swift action, the town would have been destroyed, Mutfwang said. Multiple communities have faced repeated attacks that killed scores of people.
Residents lost livestock, homes, and family members in the violence. The governor held a town hall with community leaders to hear their concerns.
Mutfwang called on residents to keep supporting the security agencies. He warned against painting all personnel with the same brush because of a few corrupt ones.
"Most of the security agencies are doing very well," he told residents. "If they had not stepped in, Barkin Ladi would have become history."
The governor promised to root out what he called "bad eggs" within the ranks. He said compromised officers would face consequences from their superiors.
President Bola Tinubu will not tolerate corruption in the military, he added. Those with evidence of misconduct should report to authorities.
"We will flush them out," Mutfwang noted. "But I plead with communities not to reject the agencies doing their job well."
His visit followed mounting tension in the Barkin Ladi area. Youth groups have grown frustrated with the security response.
The Berom Youth Moulders Association passed a vote of no confidence over the weekend. They targeted the Sector 4 Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Col.
Victor Asuquo, and Captain Bello.
According to Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, who leads the association, the military has failed repeatedly.
The commander and his operations officer neglected their duties, he said.
Lives and property continue falling under threat in their jurisdiction, Mwantiri contended. The youth group demanded new leadership in the sector.
Violence in Barkin Ladi and Bassa has persisted despite military presence. Clashes between communities have turned deadly.
Mutfwang also visited Bassa during the same trip. He met with stakeholders there as well.
The governor urged patience while security forces work on the situation. He did not announce new military deployments or additional resources.
Instead, he focused on building cooperation between civilians and operatives. Trust between communities and security forces remains fragile.
Mutfwang's administration has faced criticism over the rising casualty toll. Previous promises to end the killings have not materialized.
The governor defended the security architecture despite its challenges. He maintained that wholesale condemnation would be unfair to committed personnel.
