Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Former Plateau State Governor and ex-Senator representing Plateau North, Senator Jonah David Jang, has raised alarm that over 160 communities have been destroyed and forcefully occupied by armed groups, leaving thousands displaced and unable to return home.
He made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Heipang Airport on Thursday.
Jang commended the President’s visit, describing it as a demonstration of leadership and compassion, while noting that Plateau, known as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” continues to face serious security challenges.
He said the persistent attacks have resulted in loss of lives, displacement, and destruction of livelihoods, stressing that the crisis has spanned multiple administrations.
According to him, despite past interventions, including judicial panels, the situation has worsened, with some cases losing momentum after being transferred to Abuja.
Jang called for proactive, intelligence-driven security measures, increased deployment of personnel, and better coordination to tackle the crisis.
He also urged that locals be recruited as forest guards due to their knowledge of the terrain.
He reiterated his support for state police but cautioned against any structure that would place it under the control of the Inspector General of Police, warning it could undermine its effectiveness.
The former governor argued that the violence is not merely a farmer-herder conflict but is driven by land grabbing and political motives with religious undertones.
He also appealed for a special intervention fund to rebuild affected communities and support displaced persons, stressing the need to address root causes for lasting peace.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the President’s visit as timely and reassuring, expressing optimism that the state will overcome its challenges.
Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani, said the planned CCTV project will deploy AI-powered surveillance systems, starting in Jos.
Traditional ruler, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Jacob Gyang Buba, alongside other leaders including Nentawe Yilwatda, Simon Lalong, and Idris Wase, commended the President and called for sustained efforts to restore peace in the state.
