By Christiana Ekpa
The House of Representatives has inaugurated an Ad hoc Committee to convene a special security conference on the security challenges in Plateau and beyond.
Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja, the chairman of the committee, Hammed Waheed (APC-Lagos), decried the incessant crises in the state.
He said the security challenges in Plateau had persisted for too long, adding that the recurring cycle of violence had left many communities in sorrow, as well as displaced many families.
According to the chairman, the incessant crisis has also destroyed livelihoods and eroded trust among ethnic and religious groups.
“These tragic developments are not isolated. They reverberate beyond Plateau, affecting neighbouring states and undermining national stability. It is for this reason that the House of Representatives, at its plenary on May 8, in its wisdom and responsiveness to the yearnings of our people, mandated the formation of this committee.
“Our assignment is clear: to convene a special security conference that will bring together critical stakeholders, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society organisations,” he said.
Mr Waheed said stakeholders expected at the conference are youths, women groups, researchers, and political actors, who would engage in sincere, in-depth discussions and generate sustainable solutions.
“This is not just another conference. It is an opportunity for truth-telling, healing, dialogue, and decisive recommendations,” he said.
The lawmaker stated that the aim was not only to diagnose the problems but also to chart new pathways toward lasting peace, security, justice, and reconciliation.
He charged members of the committee to discharge their duties with integrity, impartiality, and utmost sensitivity.
The committee chairman urged its members to engage with stakeholders across affected communities and beyond, identifying the root causes and trigger points of the conflicts.
He urged the committee to design a framework and agenda for the conference, ensuring inclusion, giving voice to all segments of the society and producing a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations.
“We must remember that the eyes of the people are on the committee. This task is not about politics but about people, communities, peace and the soul of the nation.
“Let us work collaboratively and diligently, let us listen more than we speak, let us lead with empathy and courage,” he added.
