Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has said the ongoing security challenges in the state have deprived the state of steady growth and development.

Mutfwang said this on Tuesday when he visited communities in Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area (LGA), recently attacked by gunmen.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen on Sunday night attacked Zike and Kimakpa communities of Kwall District, Iregwe Chiefdom of Bassa.

The criminals killed scores and destroyed many houses and other properties.

The governor disclosed that the state government had made tangible investments in technology aimed at addressing the current security challenges in the state.

“Immediately we assumed office, we took decisive steps and invested heavily in technology just to end these security challenges facing us.

“Insurgency and terrorism have deprived us of the riches of the land; our developmental strides on the Plateau have been slow because of insecurity.

“There is no reason for us to be where we are; our people cannot go to their farms and engage in any economic venture.

“But as a government, we are doing everything possible to end these circles of attacks and killings,” he said.

The governor, who commiserated with the families who lost their loved ones, vowed to bring the perpetrators to book.

Mutfwang, who thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support to the state, called on the security agencies to intensify efforts towards tackling the current security challenges in Plateau.

“We are here with all the security apparatus in the state to reassure you that we are committed to your safety.

“You have every reason not to be happy, but I want to assure you that we have taken steps to correct all the lapses of the past.

“As a government, we will support the security agencies towards ensuring that our people are safe.

“But let me remind you that whatever arrangements the security agencies will make may not solve the problem, the solution will come from the communities.

“We have come to a point in Nigeria, where every community must defend itself. I will not, however, support lawlessness, but we can’t afford to go to sleep,” he said.

The governor, who reiterated his warning to residents not to take the law into their hands, however, advised the youths to rise up and defend their communities.(NAN)