‘Thousands Killed In Plateau’, Reps Won’t Allow State Slide Into Conflict – Abass

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday declared that the National Assembly would not allow Plateau State to descend further into violence or be defined by years of bloodshed.

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Naija News reports that Abbas spoke in Jos, the state capital, during a special dialogue and security conference convened by the House ad hoc committee on security challenges to address the root causes of persistent killings in the state.

Represented by a lawmaker, John Dafaan, the Speaker described the gathering as a crucial step towards restoring peace.

“This is not just an event; it is a national imperative,” he said, adding that it reflects the “collective resolve of members of the House of Representatives to confront, with honesty and courage, the persistent security challenges that have afflicted Plateau State and, indeed, several parts of our dear country.”

The one-day conference, themed “Restoring Stability and Unity: A Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Security in Plateau State and Beyond,” held at Crispan Suites & Event Centre, Jos, brought together Governor Caleb Mutfwang, political leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, civil society groups, religious bodies, academics, and members of the public.

Participants were tasked with developing “practical and sustainable solutions” to the lingering crisis.

‘Thousands Killed Since 2001’

Highlighting the scale of the crisis, Abbas said Plateau State had suffered decades of devastating violence.

“Since 2001, Plateau State has endured sustained and horrific violence, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people, mostly from communal and terrorist attacks across the state,” he said.

He cited records showing that many of the killings occurred between 2001 and 2018 in Jos North, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South Local Government Areas.

Abbas also recalled recent attacks, noting that “hundreds lost their lives in Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi in a deadly wave of attacks that took place between December 2023 and April 2024.”

He added, “There was also the infamous Christmas Eve attack of December 2023 across 17 communities, which led to the loss of over 200 lives, many more injuries and scores of missing persons.”

According to him, the destruction has been massive, with over 18,000 houses, places of worship, and farmlands destroyed, about 400 communities displaced, and approximately 80,000 persons internally displaced.

‘Crisis Beyond Ethno-Religious Narratives’

The Speaker stressed that the Plateau conflict cannot be reduced to simple explanations.

“The truth is that these attacks are often driven by a convergence of factors, from historical grievances and contestations over land and identity, to economic and political marginalisation, climate-induced resource competition, weak conflict resolution mechanisms, and the infiltration of criminal and extremist elements,” he said.

He added that the task ahead goes beyond restoring order.

“As a Parliament, we recognise that the challenge before us today is not merely one of restoring order, but of rebuilding trust, addressing injustice, and creating sustainable frameworks for peaceful coexistence,” Abbas noted.

Outlining steps taken by the National Assembly, Abbas said the 10th House had intensified oversight of security institutions and prioritised funding for improved intelligence, modern technology, and personnel welfare.

“The 10th House will not be content with mere words of condemnation or lamentations; we intend to be a parliament of legislation, of action and of results,” he said.

He further pledged a comprehensive review of laws affecting security, land management, conflict resolution, and justice delivery, with special attention to Plateau State.

Abbas also promised that funding for rebuilding destroyed communities, trauma centres, resettlement of internally displaced persons, and modern security infrastructure would be prioritised in the 2026 supplementary budget and the 2027 appropriation.

Tinubu Making Plateau Priority – Committee Chair

Naija News reports that earlier, Chairman of the House ad hoc committee, Wale Hammed, said the committee was established in response to the cries of Plateau residents.

“This time, we have a President who will not accept excuses. President Bola Tinubu has made Plateau a personal priority,” he said.

“He has directed special security deployments, approved humanitarian interventions, and insisted that the cries from Plateau must reach the highest level and be answered with action.”

Hammed, however, emphasised that security solutions must go beyond force.

“Peace cannot be enforced by guns alone. Peace must be built. And it must be built by all of us, together,” he added.

Governor Mutfwang, represented by Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, described the dialogue as both timely and necessary.

She said it brought together stakeholders “united by a shared commitment to restoring peace, strengthening unity, and charting a sustainable path toward security and stability.”

According to her, successive administrations have struggled to end the cycle of violence.

“Over the years, successive administrations in Plateau State have grappled with recurring cycles of violent attacks and unrest… However, despite these interventions, the situation has persisted in varying degrees to the present day,” she said.

She outlined measures taken by the current administration, including the revitalisation of Operation Rainbow, deployment of drone surveillance technology, refurbishment of over 300 security vehicles, and the reconstitution of the Plateau State Inter-Faith Advisory Council.

“These coordinated strategies have yielded significant results. Plateau State has witnessed a period of relative peace… although pockets of violent attacks resulting in loss of lives have remained unabated in rural communities,” she added.

Reaffirming the state government’s position, the governor said, “As a government, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done.”