The task force set up by the Plateau State Government to recover all public property allegedly looted in the state, on Tuesday said it had begun verification of the said properties after receiving information from whistle-blowers and members of the public
The Chairman of the task force, Isaac Wadak who disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Jos on the progress made by the task force insisted that the exercise was not meant to witch-hunt anyone
The Chairman said “So far, we have interfaced with MDAs and have received inventories and reports of all landed property, equipment, moveable and immovable assets, including vehicles and machinery. We have also received valuable information from the general public concerning individuals who may be in custody of government property illegally. Information so far received indicate that there are illegal allocations of government lands and buildings in some of LGAs, especially within Jos North and Jos South.
“These properties have either not been properly documented, or have been illegally allocated or sold. On vehicles, the task force was furnished with a comprehensive list of vehicles bought by the government between 2015 and 2023.
“The task force is entering the phase of verification from locations and persons where information has so far been received. This is to authenticate the viability of every information and to recover the assets where necessary”
The Chairman warned that those with properties that are at various stages of development are to stop such development forthwith until the verification exercise was completed.
The Chairman who thanked members of the public for cooperating with the task force in its assignment so far also advised those in possession of allocated/ boarded or auctioned government property to furnish the task force with evidence.
The PUNCH reports that the state Governor, Caleb Mutfwang had formed the task force following allegations of looting of government properties by officials of the immediate past administration led by former Governor Simon Lalong
The task force which was given six weeks to complete the assignment had several terms of reference including to “identify and trace all government properties that were purported to have been auctioned across the country.
“Ascertain whether or not due process was adhered to in the exercise.
“Recovery of all government assets that were purportedly or inappropriately acquired by individuals/groups or corporate entities.
“Any other recommendation that will lead to the recovery of government assets and safeguard future occurrences.”
