Follow Us on Google News
Follow Us on Google DiscoverThe House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Security has convened a special dialogue and security conference to address the persistent insecurity in Plateau State, declaring that the situation has overwhelmed the state.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas said the conference forms part of ongoing efforts to find lasting solutions to the recurring unrest.
Represented by John Dafaan, who represents Shendam/Mikang/Quanpan Federal Constituency, Abbas made the remarks at a one-day townhall security conference held in Jos, noting that residents of Plateau State have suffered significant losses over the years.
“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,” he said.
The Speaker further revealed that since 2001, Plateau State has experienced prolonged and severe violence, resulting in thousands of deaths, largely from communal clashes and terrorist attacks. According to him, most fatalities occurred between 2001 and 2018 in areas such as Jos North, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South Local Government Areas. He added that more recent attacks in Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi between December 2023 and April 2024 also claimed hundreds of lives.
He referenced the Christmas Eve attacks of December 2023 across 17 communities, which resulted in over 200 deaths, numerous injuries, and several missing persons.
“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,” Abbas stated.
The conference was necessitated following recently shooting of residents at Angwan Rukuba of Jos North. Speaking at the conference, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, said 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 addressing insecurity, emphasizing the protection of lives and property, adherence to the rule of law, and the pursuit of justice.
“We will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders present to ensure that the outcomes of this dialogue translate into concrete actions,” he added.
Mutfwang further stressed the need for unity and determination in overcoming the crisis. “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 said.
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 also assured attendees that those who preferred to make submissions in closed-door sessions would be accommodated and that all contributions would be duly considered. The conference was attended by heads of security agencies, civil society organisations 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.
Plateau unrest destroys 18,000 houses, displaces 80,000-Abbas
Date: 16 April 2026 4:05pm WAT
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen
