Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau State, has cautioned residents and media practitioners against rushing to post reports of killings and attacks in Plateau on social media, saying such actions could damage the state’s image.
Mutfwang spoke during a stakeholders meeting in Plateau State.
The governor said that although his administration does not hide security incidents, people must avoid spreading unverified information capable of worsening tensions and discouraging visitors and investors.
“We have never suggested anywhere that any incident should be swept under the carpet,” he said.
“We keep accurate data of all the attacks.”
However, Mutfwang warned that many social media users share rumours and unverified reports without considering the consequences.
“But many of you who are in a hurry to put it on social media, you are destroying the state,” he said.
“Sometimes you put on social media what you heard as a rumour. You don’t know the lives you put in danger sometimes with what you put on social media.”
The governor appealed to journalists and media organisations to exercise greater responsibility in reporting security issues.
“I appeal to our media people, we have nothing to hide,” he said.
“But all our media people, you need to be more responsible.”
Mutfwang also alleged that there was a deliberate attempt to portray Plateau as unsafe and discourage tourism and investment in the state.
“There is a deliberate plan to de-market Plateau state and to tell the world that Plateau state is not anywhere that anybody should visit,” he said.
The governor, however, maintained that the state remains peaceful despite recent security concerns.
“But let me reassure Nigerians and the world that Plateau still remains the home of peace and tourism,” he added.
