Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has warned individuals in illegal possession of government property to vacate such properties immediately or face severe consequences.
He also announced plans to establish a task force before the end of the month to investigate and recover all government-owned properties illegally acquired across the state.
Mutfwang stated this while receiving the report of a committee instituted to investigate the collapse of a school building in Jos, a few months ago, in company of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Josephine Piyo.
The Governor commended the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Danladi Slim Matawal, and the other members for their thorough and insightful work, describing the report as a critical guide for government actions.
He pledged to ensure that all building infrastructure in the state undergo rigorous integrity tests to prevent future tragedies.
In addition to their initial mandate, the Governor directed the committee to extend its scope to include assessment of the Jos Main Market and the Rockland Hotel in Laminga.
“This move is aimed at ascertaining the structural integrity of these facilities for timely interventions”, he explained.
“When we set up this committee, it was during a very critical moment in the history of our state. We had just come out of mourning the loss of 22 precious children in the school building collapse.
“The committee was tasked with investigating the causes of building collapses across the state and recommending measures to prevent such tragedies in the future,” the Governor stated.
He added: “Your work is not yet complete. I expect you to assess the Rockland Hotel. Let’s conduct integrity tests on the building to determine the way forward.
According to him, “Anyone in possession of government property acquired unlawfully should surrender it immediately.
“A task force will be constituted to recover these properties, and those involved in illegal sales or acquisitions will face justice.
“Be it fraudulent letters of authority or unlawfully obtained certificates of occupancy, we will uncover the truth and take decisive action,” the Governor declared.
He also highlighted plans to restructure and strengthen the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) for improved service delivery.
Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and properties in the State, emphasising that negligence and illegal activities will not be tolerated.
Earlier, Prof. Danladi Slim Matawal, chairman of the Committee, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity to serve.
He described the assignment as emotionally challenging, given the tragic accounts of the 22 lives lost and 11 others injured due to the building collapse.
Matawal disclosed that the management of the school failed to provide architectural drawings or government approval for the collapsed structure.
Mutfwang receives school building collapse report, to recover illegally acquired govt property
