Plateau Crisis: 18,000 Houses Destroyed, 80,000 Displaced as Reps Hold Security Summit
The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Security has convened a special dialogue and security conference in Jos, Plateau State, to address the persistent and overwhelming insecurity plaguing the region. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, declared that the situation has reached a critical point, necessitating urgent national intervention.
Staggering Scale of Destruction and Displacement
Represented by John Dafaan, the member representing Shendam/Mikang/Quanpan Federal Constituency, Speaker Abbas detailed the devastating impact of the unrest during a one-day townhall security conference. He revealed that residents of Plateau State have suffered immense losses over the years, with property destruction on a massive scale.
"The scale of property destruction has been staggering: over 18,000 houses, places of worship, and farmlands have been destroyed. As many as 400 communities have been dislocated, leaving about 80,000 people internally displaced," Abbas stated, highlighting the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the state.
Historical and Recent Violence Claims Thousands of Lives
The Speaker further outlined that since 2001, Plateau State has endured prolonged and severe violence, resulting in thousands of deaths primarily from communal clashes and terrorist attacks. Most fatalities occurred between 2001 and 2018 in local government areas such as Jos North, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South.
He added that more recent attacks have continued to devastate communities. Between December 2023 and April 2024, assaults in Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi claimed hundreds of lives. Abbas specifically referenced the Christmas Eve attacks of December 2023 across 17 communities, which resulted in over 200 deaths, numerous injuries, and several missing persons, underscoring the ongoing brutality.
A National Imperative for Lasting Solutions
Emphasizing the urgency of the conference, Abbas described it as a national imperative rather than merely an event. "This conference is not just an event; it is a national imperative. It reflects our collective resolve as members of the House of Representatives to confront, with honesty and courage, the persistent security challenges affecting Plateau State and other parts of the country," he asserted. The dialogue was prompted by recent incidents, including the shooting of residents at Angwan Rukuba in Jos North, highlighting the immediate need for action.
Governor Mutfwang Calls for Unity and Concrete Actions
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, addressed the conference, stating that the people of the state are yearning for lasting peace. "The expectations of our citizens are clear—they want safety, stability, and the freedom to pursue their livelihoods without fear. It is our collective responsibility to meet these expectations with urgency and sincerity," the governor said.
He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to tackling insecurity, focusing on protecting lives and property, adhering to the rule of law, and pursuing justice. Mutfwang stressed the need for unity and determination, adding, "Let this engagement mark a decisive step toward restoring confidence, rebuilding communities, and securing a peaceful future for Plateau State and beyond. Though the journey ahead may be challenging, it is achievable with a shared vision and collective purpose." He pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that dialogue outcomes translate into concrete actions.
Practical Recommendations and Stakeholder Participation
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Special Dialogue and Security Conference, Wale Ahmed, urged participants to provide practical recommendations to end the violence. He assured attendees that those preferring to make submissions in closed-door sessions would be accommodated, with all contributions duly considered. The conference saw attendance from heads of security agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders, many of whom presented memoranda during the session.
The Ad Hoc Committee is expected to submit its report to the 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives, with recommendations aimed at addressing the ongoing attacks and killings in Plateau State, as efforts intensify to restore peace and stability to the beleaguered region.
