Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has said that Nigeria’s current security challenge requires not only the restoration of order but also the rebuilding of trust, the addressing of injustice, and the creation of sustainable frameworks for peaceful coexistence.
He stated this on Tuesday in Jos at a one-day House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee Special Dialogue and Security Conference on Plateau State, themed “Restoring Stability and Unity: A Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Security in Plateau State and Beyond.”
The Speaker said the National Assembly has remained at the forefront of efforts to address the country’s security challenges through legislation, oversight, and improved funding for security agencies.
According to him, the 10th House has strengthened oversight of security institutions, enhanced legal frameworks for counter-terrorism, and increased budgetary allocations for intelligence gathering, technology, and personnel welfare.
He added that where existing mechanisms are insufficient, the House has constituted special committees to investigate emerging crises and recommend solutions, including the current Plateau security probe.
Rt. Hon. Abbas stressed the need for both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, including community policing, early warning systems, and stronger intelligence networks.
He noted that security must be a shared responsibility involving government, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society, and local communities.
The Speaker also called for urgent action on unemployment, poverty, hate speech, and misinformation, saying these factors continue to fuel violence across the country.
He urged the government to strengthen justice delivery by ensuring that perpetrators of violence are swiftly prosecuted, warning that impunity undermines public trust and security efforts.
On Plateau State, he said the House has passed resolutions, held hearings, and engaged stakeholders to promote peace and reconciliation.
He commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for demonstrating political will to address insecurity and reform land governance in the state.
Abbas further reiterated support for the establishment of state police, while urging stronger community policing and regulated vigilante participation within the law.
He stressed that Plateau State, known as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” must not be defined by conflict, but restored to its legacy of unity and resilience.
The Speaker also revealed that since 2001, Plateau State has suffered repeated waves of violence, including the killing of thousands of people and the destruction of over 18,000 homes, worship centres, and farmlands.
He said the attacks between December 2023 and April 2024 alone displaced about 80,000 persons, leaving many communities in ruins.
He assured that the 10th House of Representatives remains committed to turning legislative promises into concrete action to restore peace, strengthen unity, and protect lives and property across Nigeria.