FG takes over Plateau Park over insecurity

From Jude Owuamanam, Jos

Persistent attacks in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, the Federal Government has taken over the management of Pandam National Park from the Plateau State government.

The deal was facilitated through the Nigeria Park Service (NPS).

The vast park, situated in Mangu, has been perceived to be a hideout for bandits operating in Barkin Ladi, Mangu and Riyom local government areas of the state.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, which took place in Jos on Friday, General Manager of the Plateau State Tourism Corporation, Mr. Pwajok Chuwang, described the development as a step in the right direction for the state.

Chuwang, who represented Governor Caleb Mutfwang, said that the governor had come to the realisation that there were enormous advantages for Plateau from the deal.

He said the vast field of the park had been of great concern to the state government following incessant attacks in the area.

The GM said: “Pandam National Park was almost a no-go area for citizens of Plateau due to such criminal activities within the cover of the forest. The case of ungoverned spaces in Nigeria has been a major contributor to insecurity and all sorts of criminal activities, including kidnappings, terrorism and related activities in Plateau and other parts of the country.

“Almost every major kidnapping incident that happened within the Quan’pan, Lafia, Shendam axis of Plateau was orchestrated within that park.”

He said the Federal Government’s intervention would help restore security to the area and create employment opportunities for citizens of the state.

“Today’s handing over will help rid the environment of miscreants, provide employment for citizens of the state, and relieve the state government of the enormous resources required to cater for the park,” he said.

Conservator-General of the NPS, Ibrahim Goni, said the park would remain the heritage of Plateau people despite the transfer of its management to the Federal Government.

Goni, who was represented by CP Jonah Moses, described the deal as fair and beneficial.